Impact of Soil Water Content on Hybrid Bermudagrass Athletic Fields

Abstract

Soil water content (SWC) influences the consistency and performance of athletic field surfaces. Two studies were conducted at the University of Tennessee Center for Athletic Field Safety, Knoxville, TN, to determine how SWC affects wear tolerance of hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy, ‘Tifway’] on root zones composed of either silt loam (cohesive) or sand meeting US Golf Association specifications (noncohesive). Soil water content treatments for cohesive root zones averaged low (0.06–0.13 m3 m−3), medium (0.14–0.21 m3 m−3), medium‐high (0.22–0.29 m3 m−3), and high (0.30–0.37 m3 m−3); comparatively, SWC on noncohesive averaged low (0.05–0.11 m3 m−3), medium (0.12–0.19 m3 m−3), and high (0.20–0.27 m3 m−3). Differences in the amount of ranges between root zones were due to plant available water of the soil texture. Plots were subjected to 50 traffic events for 5 wk each fall over a 2‐yr period. Green turfgrass cover was reduced four times faster at high SWC than the low and medium SWC treatments on cohesive soil. All SWC treatments on noncohesive soil lost green turfgrass cover at a predictable rate. Surface hardness increased as SWC decreased for both root zones. Turfgrass shear strength decreased with traffic for all treatments on cohesive soils. Soil water content of noncohesive soils did not compound the effect of traffic on turfgrass shear strength. The optimal mean SWC ranges to maximize hybrid bermudagrass wear tolerance on cohesive soils were low to medium, and low to medium on noncohesive soils.

Using organic amendments to stabilize sand‐based athletic fields during turfgrass establishment period

“…Dickson et al. (2018) also reported the inverse relationship of water content in the root zone and surface hardness. That study also proposed that surface hardness can be manipulated by adjusting the soil water content in athletic fields.…”

“…Dickson et al. (2018) reported reduced turfgrass stability in root zones with the highest soil water content tested (0.30–0.37 m 3 m −3 ). The highest soil moisture content achieved by adding organic amendment in this study remained within the optimal range (USGA Green Section Staff, 2004).…”

“…Too much organic matter can decrease water infiltration rates and water conductivity (Baker et al, 1999), therefore, too much organic matter should be avoided despite its ability to stabilize the rootzone by holding higher amounts of water. Dickson et al (2018) reported reduced turfgrass stability in rootzones with the highest soil water content tested (0.30-0.37 m 3 m -3 ). Therefore, care should be taken to avoid over-applying water to the turfgrass prior to a sporting event.…”

“…Therefore, 10 Nm can be considered a minimum value of traction for sports turf. Dickson et al (2018) suggested hybrid Cynodon dactylon athletic fields should have minimum traction values of 18 Nm. All of the treatments tested in our study had values considerably higher than these lowest recommendations.…”

A review of turfgrass sports field variability and its implications on athlete–surface interactions

“…Even when turfgrass species and soil type are provided, two other important management practices rarely mentioned are mowing height and irrigation. Mowing height within turfgrass species could influence ground hardness and turfgrass shear strength levels (Caple, James, & Bartlett, 2011; Grossi, Volterrani, Magni, & Miele, 2004), and soil moisture strongly affects these characteristics as well (Clarke & Carré, 2017; Dickson et al., 2018). Rainfall, temperature, and/or evapotranspiration have been accounted for (Orchard, 2002; Orchard et al., 2005; Takemura et al., 2007), but supplemental irrigation has not.…”