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/484138
Field Science 16 SportsTurf | April 2015 www.sportsturfonline.com are often used for all levels of play. Fertilizer buggies from local farm co-ops are an option for applications over large areas. Aerification (soil cultivation) is and always will be the most neglected maintenance practice. It provides some of the greatest benefits: reduced compaction, air exchange, water and nutrient infiltration, and opportunities for deeper root development. It is a practice that can be completed using a borrowed piece of equipment. Walk-behind units can be rented daily for a nomi- nal fee and used in those areas with the most need (centers of a football field, goal mouths, sidelines, etc.). This practice can improve on safety better than most other practices. Irrigation may or may not be an option. Most low budget programs tend not to have a source of water especially if it is potable water being purchased. While soil moisture is impor- tant during play, it can increase the chances of turfgrass diseases if applied too often. Only apply what the soil/root-zone can infiltrate in one watering. Anything more will cause puddles and runoff—wasting water and promoting diseases. It is best to be on the conservative side of irrigation except where safety is a concern. Topdressing is usually a luxury practice in a low budget facility. While sand is very cheap to purchase, transporta- tion cost is usually prohibitive, not to mention the lack of application equip- ment (topdresser). Those fertilizer bug- gies at the local farm co-op can be used to spread topdressing sand as well if the co-op is willing and you are able to get sand delivered. Keep in mind that cultural practices, however completed; should be followed correctly to favor the turfgrass and not pests. There is a direct correlation between poor cultural practices and levels of pests observed. Minimizing pests mini- mizes costs. Control use Over-use is a prob- lem where athletic grounds are very limited. Any oppor- tunity to restrict activities like physi- cal education and band practice will greatly reduce wear and stretch main- tenance dollars. Closing fields when conditions are unfavorable and limiting or eliminating public use can greatly reduce cost. In addition, shifting a field 20 to 30 feet or rotating them can spread the concentration of traf- fic over more area, therefore allowing previously worn areas to recover. Flexibility to change up a sporting event from a home field to an away field or vice versa to avoid wet playing conditions can save a field from excess damage. Controlling use will save dollars on maintenance. Consider outside relationships Most communities will have a sportsplex or golf course nearby. Relationships between these facilities, local businesses and a local school district can be as simple as introducing oneself and asking a question. If a school district has no means to pur- chase an aerator, don't be afraid to contact a local golf course to potentially borrow their aerator. Perhaps several nearby school districts can purchase a piece of equipment to share. Many lawn care businesses will have specialized equipment like vertical slicers and aerators. Local farm co-ops are often a great source for seed, fertilizers and pesticides. Consider an advertising trade-off. Community businesses may have some excellent sources for knowledge and may be willing to donate products, equipment and services for an advertisement spot on a scoreboard or outfield fence. Many sporting events are announced on local radio stations where broadcasters can promote a business for their contributions to a school or sporting program. Booster clubs help to offset some of the cost for team uni- forms, equipment and even field maintenance needs. Saturday morning bake sales, trivia nights, website sponsorships or auc- tions can often buy a piece of equipment or seed and fertilizer for a season. Calculating those cost in the planning phase of maintenance and resources needed, are the numbers you will need to provide to a booster club or individual for the asking. Athletic field maintenance at the high school level or in any low-budget situation is not hopeless. Devise a plan, provide a list of needs and start asking around. You may find that safe and playable sports fields are an achievable goal even on a limited budget. More detailed information can be found on the STMA website, "2015 Conference recordings – Cultural Practices & Guidelines for Low Budget Athletic Fields." ■ ST Brad Fresenburg, PhD, is Assistant Extension Professor, University of Missouri Turfgrass Sciences. Fertilizer buggies offer an alternative to spread fertilizer and topdressing sand. Controlling usage can have an impact on maintenance dollars. Consider an advertising trade-off. Community businesses may have some excellent sources for knowledge and may be willing to donate products, equipment and services for an advertisement spot on a scoreboard or outfield fence.