Large Crabgrass, White Clover, and Hybrid Bermudagrass Athletic Field Playing Quality in Response to Simulated Traffic

Abstract

Athletic field playing quality encompasses both aesthetics as well as athlete‐to‐surface interactions that can affect injury incidence. Legislation restricting the use of herbicides on athletic fields may lead to increases in problematic weeds, such as large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.), which could reduce athletic field playing quality and potentially increase potential for athletic injuries. Research was conducted at the University of Tennessee Center for Athletic Field Safety (Knoxville, TN) during 2012 to 2013 to evaluate the playing quality of large crabgrass and white clover compared with weed‐free hybrid bermudagrass (C. dactylon ⋅ C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy, ‘Tifway’). All plots (3 by 3 m) were maintained as monostands and subjected to 18 simulated traffic events with a Cady traffic simulator each autumn over 2 yr. Large crabgrass and white clover lost green cover approximately 12 times faster than hybrid bermudagrass in this study. Consequently, surface hardness values on large crabgrass and white clover plots were ∼48 to 52% higher than those measured on hybrid bermudagrass after 18 simulated traffic events were applied. Changes in both surface hardness and rotational resistance were significantly correlated (P < 0.0001) to changes in green cover following simulated traffic. Our findings indicate that groundcover domination by weeds, such as large crabgrass and white clover, compromises the aesthetics and safety of natural grass athletic fields. Additional research is needed to evaluate athletic field playing quality on polystands of hybrid bermudagrass, large crabgrass, and white clover to determine acceptable thresholds of weed cover for player safety. Information of this nature would be useful for justifying various weed control measures such as herbicide applications.

Intercellular void space effects on Kentucky bluegrass traffic tolerance

“…With increased local regulation of synthetic herbicides, it is of major importance to increase or maintain turfgrass cover through cultural practices or the use of traffic‐tolerant cultivars. Brosnan, Dickson, Sorochan, Thoms, and Stier (2014) found that athletic surfaces composed of large crabgrass ( Digitaria sanguinalis L.) or white clover ( Trifolium repens L.) lost percent green cover nearly 12 times faster than hybrid bermudagrass ( Cynodon dactylon L.) surfaces, with weed‐infested areas also having increased surface hardness. Traffic‐sensitive KBG could allow for more weed encroachment and therefore compromise the safety of natural grass athletic fields.…”

Field evaluation of weed suppression in fine fescue (Festuca spp.)

“…Marques, 2011). Additionally, the aesthetics provided by lawns can be diminished due to crabgrass infestation, and large amounts of crabgrass can potentially make athletic fields less safe and less playable (Brosnan, Dickson, Sorochan, Thoms, & Stier, 2014b).…”

A justification for continued management of turfgrass during economic contraction

“…Safety standards ensure proper care and management of turfgrass playing surfaces. Pest management is of particular concern on sports fields as failure to control infestations reduces safety to end users (Bartholomew, Campbell, & Wallace, 2015; Brosnan, Dickson, Sorochan, Thoms, & Stier, 2014).…”