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SportsFields

JamesC.Puhalla

SportsFieldConsultantBoardman,OH,US

JeffreyV.Krans

MississippiStateUniversity–RetiredMeridian,MS,US

J.MichaelGoatley,Jr. VirginiaTechBlacksburg,VA,US

Thiseditionfirstpublished2020

©2020JohnWiley&Sons,Inc.

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LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData

Names:Puhalla,Jim,author.|Krans,Jeff,author.|Goatley,Mike, author.

Title:Sportsfields:design,construction,andmaintenance/JamesC. Puhalla,JeffreyV.Krans,J.MichaelGoatley.

Description:Thirdedition.|Hoboken,NJ:Wiley,2020.|Includesindex.

Identifiers:LCCN2019057871(print)|LCCN2019057872(ebook)|ISBN 9781119534754(hardback)|ISBN9781119534723(adobepdf)|ISBN 9781119534747(epub)

Subjects:LCSH:Athleticfields—UnitedStates—Designandconstruction.| Athleticfields—UnitedStates—Maintenanceandrepair.|Sports facilities—UnitedStates—Designandconstruction.|Sports facilities—UnitedStates—Maintenanceandrepair.|Turf management—UnitedStates.

Classification:LCCGV413.P852020(print)|LCCGV413(ebook)|DDC 796.4206/8—dc23

LCrecordavailableathttps://lccn.loc.gov/2019057871

LCebookrecordavailableathttps://lccn.loc.gov/2019057872

CoverDesign:Wiley

CoverImages:CourtesyofJamesC.Puhalla, background©magann/GettyImages

Setin10/12ptandGalliardStdbySPiGlobal,Chennai,India 10987654321

AbouttheAuthorsxi AbouttheSTMAxiii Prefacexv

Part 1 PrinciplesofSportsTurfCulture1

1Turfgrasses3

1.1Introduction3

1.2BiologyandIdentification4

1.3TurfgrassTypes11

1.4TurfgrassSelection18

1.5UsingtheTwo-MapSystemtoSelectTurfgrass20

1.6PlantingTimesandRates24

1.7SoilPreparation27

1.8PlantingTechniques28

1.9Establishment35

1.10OverseedingWarm-SeasonFields38

1.11SustainingaMixedWarmandCoolSeasonTurfgrass CanopyintheTransitionZone45

2SoilsandSoilScience53

2.1Introduction53

2.2SoilasaMediumforTurfgrass53

3FertilityandFertilizers67

3.1Introduction67

3.2NutrientRequirements67

3.3NutrientUptake70

3.4SoilReaction71

3.5FertilizerAnalysis73

3.6FertilizerSources74

3.7ApplicationRatesandFrequencies78

3.8Micronutrients82

3.9Biostimulants84

4Mowing87

4.1Introduction87

4.2TypesofMowers90

4.3TurfResponse92

4.4HeightandFrequency93

4.5Pattern94

4.6ClippingRemoval95

4.7EquipmentandSafety96

4.8ChemicalGrowthRegulators97

5Irrigation103

5.1Introduction103

5.2IrrigationandTurfgrassCulture103

5.3GeneralPrinciplesofTurfgrassIrrigation104

5.4PortableIrrigationSystems105

5.5InstalledIrrigationSystems106

5.6WirelessSensorTechnology121

5.7SubsurfaceDripIrrigation(SDI)121

5.8TheUseofNonpotableWaterforSportsField Irrigation122

5.9KnowYourWaterSource123

6Drainage125

6.1Introduction125

6.2SurfaceDrainage125

6.3InternalDrainage129

6.4InstalledDrainSystems136

6.5OtherDrainSystemPractices147

7AerationandTopdressing149

7.1Introduction149

7.2AeratingforOptimalTurfResponses149

7.3AerationEquipment153

7.4Topdressing163

8Thatch167

8.1Introduction167

8.2DefinitionofThatch167

8.3AdvantagesandDisadvantagesofThatchinSports Turf168

8.4HowThatchDevelops170

8.5MaintainingaManagedThatchLayer172

8.6ReducingExcessiveThatchBuildup173

9TurfgrassStressesandRemedies179

9.1Introduction179

9.2MechanicalStresses179

9.3EnvironmentalStresses183

9.4Weeds,Insects,andDiseases187

10WiseUseofChemicals271

10.1Introduction271

10.2TheLabelIstheLaw271

10.3PlanningandPerformingApplications275

10.4RecordKeeping286

11OrganicFieldManagement289

11.1Introduction289

11.2DefinitionsandPrinciplesofOrganicField Management290

11.3PrinciplesandConceptsofOrganicField Management290

11.4MakinganAdjustmenttoOrganicField Management292

11.5TimingandSiteConditionsforOrganicField Management292

11.6OrganicFieldManagementInputs293

11.7CompostandComposting308

11.8CompostApplicationsonSportsFields311

Part 2 NaturalTurfgrassSportsFields313

12BaseballandSoftballFields317

12.1Introduction317

12.2Design317

12.3Construction340

12.4Renovation349

12.5MaintenanceandManagementProcedures353

12.6RulesandRegulations357

13FootballFields371

13.1Introduction371

13.2Design372

13.3Construction381

13.4Renovation383

13.5MaintenanceandManagementProcedures387

13.6RulesandRegulations396

14Soccer,Lacrosse,andFieldHockeyFields405

14.1Introduction405

14.2Design406

14.3Construction412

14.4Renovation412

14.5MaintenanceandManagementProcedures415

14.6RulesandRegulations421

Part 3 OtherSportsSurfaces431

15TennisCourts433

15.1Introduction433

15.2Design434

15.3Construction439

15.4Renovation440

15.5Maintenance442

15.6RulesandRegulations444

16TrackandFieldFacilities447

16.1Introduction447

16.2Design448

16.3TrackConstruction455

16.4TrackRenovation456

16.5TrackMaintenance456

16.6RulesandRegulations457

17SyntheticTurf461

17.1Introduction461

17.2HistoryandInnovations462

17.3ChoosingtheRightManufacturerand Installer464

17.4CareandMaintenance465

Part 4 AncillaryInformation475

18SurveyingtheGrade477

18.1Introduction477

18.2SurveyingEquipment478

18.3EstablishingElevations481

19Sand-BasedRootzones485

19.1Introduction485

19.2ConsiderationsWhenSelectingaSand-Based Rootzone487

19.3Sand-BasedRootzoneRequirements490

19.4Maintenance499

20PaintsandCovers507

20.1Introduction507

20.2Paints508

20.3Covers515

21FieldEvaluationandTurfgrassAssessment521

21.1Introduction521

21.2ComponentsofFieldQuality521

21.3AestheticAppealandQuality522

21.4BallandPlayerResponseasAffectedbySurface Characteristics523

21.5TestingEquipmenttoEvaluatethePlaying Surface524

22Safety531

22.1Introduction531

22.2PlayerSafetyandPerformance531

22.3SpectatorSafety532

22.4DesigningforSafety534

22.5SafetyConcernsDuringConstructionand Renovation535

22.6MaintainingaSafeFacility535

23EnvironmentalStewardship,ResourceConservation,and Sustainability539

23.1Introduction539

23.2EnvironmentalStewardship540

Contents

23.3ResourceConservation541

23.4Sustainability549

24InnovationsDesignedtoPromoteNaturalGrassFields555

24.1Introduction555

24.2Lighting555

24.3EnhancedTurfgrassPerformance556

24.4InstantFieldReplacement558

24.5WirelessTechnology,RemoteSensing,andPredictive Models562

25PublicRelationsandProfessionalism565

25.1Introduction565

25.2PublicRelations565

25.3Professionalism570

Appendix573 Glossary585 Index597

AbouttheAuthors

JimPuhalla ofBoardman,Ohio,isaSportsFieldConsultantwhoprovidesdesign, consulting,andconstructionsupervision.Hisknowledgeofsportsfieldmanagement camethroughhands-onexperiencesasalandscapeandsportsfielddesign/buildcontractor.Heownedandoperatedacompanythatspecializedinsportsfielddesign, construction,andmaintenancefrom1990through2012,andalandscapecompany from1977through2003.Althoughheretiredfromsportsfieldconstructionand maintenancein2013,hestillenjoyssharinghisexperienceswithotherswhohave similargoalsincreatingsafe,moreuseablesportsfacilities.

JeffKrans isaformerProfessorofAgronomyatMississippiStateUniversityinthe GolfandSportsTurfManagementprogram.HereceivedhisPhDfromMichigan StateUniversityin1975,anMSdegreefromtheUniversityofArizonain1973,and hisBSdegreefromtheUniversityofWisconsin–StevensPointin1970.Jefftaughtand advisedstudentsintheGolfandSportsTurfManagementprogram,andconducted researchinturfgrassbreedingandphysiologyfrom1975to2002.Jeffremainsanavid supporterofhigh-qualitynaturalturfforsafesportsforparticipantsandspectators.

MikeGoatley isProfessorandExtensionTurfgrassSpecialistintheSchoolofPlant andEnvironmentalSciencesatVirginiaTech.MikereceivedhisPhDfromVirginia Techin1988,hisMSdegreefromtheUniversityofKentuckyin1986,andhisBS degreefromtheUniversityofKentuckyin1983.Hetaughtandadvisedstudentsinthe GolfandSportsTurfManagementprogramatMississippiStatefrom1988to2003 beforemovingtoVirginiaTech.MikeservesastheoutreachcoordinatorforagronomicturfsciencesinVirginia,andhisresearchinterestsfocusonturfselectionand managementstrategiesthatpromoteenvironmentalstewardship.HeservedaspresidentofSTMAin2012and2013andreceivedSTMA’sWilliamH.DanielFounder’s Awardin2008andHarryC.GillFounder’sAwardin2016.

STMAisthenot-for-profitprofessionalassociationforthemenandwomenwhomanagesportsfields.Since1981,theassociationandits30-pluslocalchaptershavebeen providingeducation,information,andsharingpracticalknowledgeintheartandscienceofsportsfieldmanagement.Itsmorethan2,500membersoverseesportsfields andfacilitiesatschools,collegesanduniversities,parksandrecreationalfacilities,and professionalsportsstadiums.Themembership’sgoalistomanagenaturalturfandsyntheticsurfacestoproducesafeandaestheticallypleasingplayingsurfacesforathletes atalllevelsofplayingabilities.STMAalsohasthesupportofcommercialmembers thatfurtherstheindustrythroughcontinuousadvancementsintechnology.

TheSTMAMission:

Tobetherecognizedleaderinstrengtheningthesportsturfindustryandenhancing members’competenceandacknowledgementoftheirprofessionalism.

Preface

Likesomanyaspectsofcontemporarylife,ourathleticandleisurepursuitsare becomingincreasinglyinfluencedbyeconomicandlogisticalfactors.Construction andmaintenancebudgetsaresqueezedevermoretightly.Theexplosioninathletic opportunitiesforgirlsandwomenhasdoubledtheuseofsomefacilities,andsent plannersscurryingofftobuildthousandsofnewones.Thepopularityofpersonal injurylawsuitshasforcedinsurancepremiumshigherandledinsurerstoinsiston greateruniformityinthedesignandconstructionofsportsfacilities.

Allofthesefactorshavetheirimpactontheconstructionandmaintenanceof sportsfields.Tighterbudgetsmeanlessmoneyforafter-the-factrepairsandgreater insistenceonbuildingitrightthefirsttime.Increasedpressureonthefacilitiesmeans thatunplayablefieldscreatetwiceasmanyreschedulingheadachesastheyusedto. Thethreatoflawsuitsdemandsgreaterattentiontothesafetyofthefacilityitself.

THEPURPOSEOFTHISBOOK

Thisbookisdesignedtoprovideacomprehensivetechnicalreferencesourceforthose whoareresponsibleforthedesign,construction,renovation,ormaintenanceofsports fields.Inordertoaddresstheseissues,thechaptersthatfollowwillillustratespecific designelementsofallpopularsportsfacilitiesandexplainhowthoseelementsare integratedinasuccessfulproject;explorecommonlyencounteredsportsfieldproblemsandsuggestappropriatesolutions;andprovidepracticalguidanceforcontinuing maintenanceprograms.

Whilesoilandclimatevariationswillsometimescreateuniquelocalchallengesfor thosechargedwithbuildingormaintainingsportsfacilities,theprinciplessharedon thesepagesshouldprovideabasicplanofactionandasetofpracticaldesigncriteria usablethroughoutNorthAmericaandinsimilargeographiesthroughouttheworld.

HowtoUseThisBook

Part1, PrinciplesofSportsTurfCulture,offersinformationonwhichtobase sounddecisionsregardingthenurtureandmaintenanceofsportsturf.Thisportionof thebookdealswithsuchmattersasturfgrassandsoilscience,culturalpractices,and stressesplacedonturfyear-roundandduringsportscompetition.Toachievethefullest possiblevaluefromthisvolume,it’sadvisabletobeginbyreadingthesechapters.

Part2, NaturalTurfgrassSportsFields,providesguidanceonthedesign, construction,renovation,andmaintenanceofparticulartypesofsportsfields.Each chaptercombinessimilarfacilities,basedonthedesignandconstructionstrategies andperformanceexpectationsoftheturf.Forexample,Chapter14coverssoccer, lacrosse,andfieldhockeyfields.Fielddimensionsareprovidedattheendofeach chapter.

Part3, OtherSportsSurfaces,providesguidanceonothertypesofsportsfacilitiesforwhichadesigner,contractor,orfacilitiesmanagermightberesponsible,like tenniscourts,trackandfield,andsyntheticturf.Properdesignandconstruction techniquescanbeparticularlyimportantforthesefacilities,whichmustbeeasilymaintainedinawiderangeofusageandweathercircumstances.

Part4, AncillaryInformation,coversmiscellaneousrelatedtopics,including surveying,sand-basedfields,turfpaintsandcovers,fieldevaluationandturfgrass assessment,environmentalstewardship,safety,innovationstopromotenaturalgrass fields,andpublicrelationsandprofessionalism.

The appendix attheendofthebookconsistsoftwoparts.Thefirstpartconsiders calculationsthataremostcommonlyusedbydesigners,contractors,andmaintenance personnel.ThesecondpartlooksatexamplesofhowtheSTMAhelpssportsfield managerskeepupwiththelatesttrends.

Throughoutthetext,wehaveworkedtomakethisbookasusefulaspossibleto thosewhoarechargedwithkeepingsportsfieldssafe,playable,andbeautiful,and tothosestudentswhoarepreparingforacareerinthisrewardingfield.Thesepages sharemuchofthelatestinacademicresearchanddevelopmentofthescienceofsports turf,butpresenttheselatestfindingsintheformofpracticaladvicefortherealworld. Itisourfondesthopethattheresultofthisbookwillbeanewgenerationofsafe, competitive,andeasy-to-maintainsportsfacilitiesforpeopleofallages.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Theauthorsgratefullyacknowledgethecontributionsofmanyacademicandprofessionalleaderswhoseadviceandcounselhavecontributedtothecompletionof thisbook.

Weareappreciativeforthedetailedadviceofthefollowingacademiccolleagues: Dr.DonaldWaddingtonofPennsylvaniaStateUniversity,AndrewMcNittofPennsylvaniaStateUniversity,andDr.ColemanWard(deceased,ProfessorEmeritus)of AuburnUniversity.InparticularweacknowledgeDr.McNittforthedevelopmentof Chapter19,“Sand-BasedRootzones.”

ThankstoDr.VictorMaddox,WaynePhilley,andDr.MariaTomaso-Peterson, allofMississippiStateUniversity,forprovidingphotographs,information,and manuscriptreviews.ThankstoVirginiaTechfacultyDr.ShawnAskew,Dr.David McCall,andDr.TomKuharformanuscriptreviewspecifictothelatestinpest managementstrategiesandtools,andthankstomanyuniversityandindustry colleaguesforprovidingmultiplephotographscitedthroughoutthisbook.Thanks toBartPratherofMississippiStateUniversity,TraDuboisofWorldClassAthletic Surfacesforadviceonpaintingathleticfields,andtotheteamatCarolinaGreenInc. fortheirassistancewithChapter17,“SyntheticTurf.”

Thanksalsotothemanysportsorganizationsandsanctioningbodiesforsharing theirspecificationsandfieldconstructioninformation,whichhavehelpedtomakethis volumecomprehensive.Theseorganizationsarelistedindividuallyattheendsoftheir respectivechapters.

1

PRINCIPLESOF SPORTS TURF CULTURE

Sportsturffieldsandrelatedfacilitiesaredesignedtomeettwobasicrequirements: theymustbelargeenoughand/orthenecessaryshapetoallowtheparticularsport tobeplayedaccordingtoitsrecognizedrulesandregulations,andtheymusthavea surfacethatallowstheplayerstocompetesafelyandatareasonablelevelofcompetition.Becausemanysportsturfsurfacesarealsousedfornonsportsactivities(likeband practice),thesurfacemustbedurableenoughtowithstandthestressesassociatedwith thosenonsportsfunctions.

Asanysportsfanwillagree,playerperformancedependsinlargepartonthequalityoftheturfsurface.Butafieldsmanagermustalsokeepinmindthatsafety,aswell asperformance,isdependentonturfquality.Eachoftheseimportantconsiderations isdependentonthreeturfcharacteristics: traction,hardness,and evenness.

Traction isobviouslycriticaltogeneratingandcontrollingspeed,makingsharp changesindirection,andstopping.Inadditiontoreducingaplayer’sabilitytoavoid or(inthecaseofcontactsports)tocontrolcollisions,poortractioncanleadtomuscle pullsandavarietyofothercommoninjuries.

Hardness canallowplayerstoperformatmaximumspeed,butcanalsoaffect players’abilitytocutsharplyandincreaseinjuryfromfallsandtackles.

Evenness,alongwithhardness,isamajorfactoraffectingballresponse,which includestheheightanddirectionofbounce,aswellasthetruenessandspeedofroll. Inmanyturfsports—andperhapsinmost—predictableballresponseisnecessaryto supportthedesiredlevelofcompetition.

Justasgoodteamsarecreatedbycarefulattentiontodetail,goodturfcomes frompracticingeffectiveturfgrassculturalandmanagementstrategies.Inthefollowingchapterswewillconsidertheunderlyingprinciplesofturfgrassbiology,selection, andestablishment;soilscience,includingfertilityandfertilizers;cultivationandthatch management;organicfieldmanagement;irrigationanddrainage;pesticideuseand safety;turfgrassstresses;andevenpropermowingtechniques.

Whetherreadingsectionsofthetextasaclassassignmentorflippingitopento addressaparticularsportsturfconcern,thereaderwillfindthatouradviceisfirst toseekthehealthoftheturfanditsenfoldingculture,andalltherest(playability, economy,aesthetics)willbeaddedontoit.Managetheculturecorrectly,andpest problemswillbeminimized.

Turfgrasses

1.1INTRODUCTION

Turfgrass isadesignationgiventoaverysmallgroupofgrassesthathaveaunique combinationofplantmorphology(form)andadaptationtoadefinedsetofcultural practices.Themorphologyrequisitesofaturfgrassareprostrateorcompressedstems at,near,and/orbelowthesoilsurface(tillers,stolons,and/orrhizomes),compressed leafsheathsandblades(diminutivegrowthhabit),tolerancetohighplantcompatibility(highstanddensity),androbustproductionandgrowthofbranchingstems (aknittedgrowthhabit).Incombinationwiththeserequirements,allturfgrassesmust toleratelowandfrequentshootdefoliation(withstandcloseandfrequentmowing), havehighvegetativeplasticity(aplant’sabilitytocontractorenlargeitsshootstructuredependingonmowingpressure),andcontroltheirvegetativetoreproductive transformation(seedheadformation)regardlessofmowingpressure,nitrogenlevel, irrigation,andchemicalsthatregulateplantgrowth,andthelike.

Botanistshavecataloguedover10,000speciesofgrassesworldwide.Withinthat classification,thereareprimarily12grassspeciesthatfallundertheturfgrasslabel. Outofthatnumber,only6grassspeciesarerecognizedforsportsturfapplication. Thiselitegroupofsportsturfmustpossesstheprecedingturfgrasscriteriaplusthree otherimportantfeatures.Thesportsturfspeciesmusthaveexcellenttraffictolerance,rapidrecoveryfromdivotingandinjury,andhightensileorsodstrength.In someinstances,acombinationofturfgrassspeciesareusedtoobtainallormostof thesefeatures.

Tobecomebettersportsturfmanagers,wefirstneedtofamiliarizeourselveswith turfgrassbiology,selection,andplanting.Inthischapter,wewillbeginbylookingat turfgrassgrowthanddevelopment.Thenwewillturnourattentiontotheprocedures ofchoosing,planting,andestablishingthebestsportsturfpossible.Finally,wewill

discusstheoverseedingofwarm-seasonsportsfieldsthatareusedduringthefalland wintermonths.Thisinformationwillsetafoundationthatwillhelpthefieldmanager tounderstandhowmaintenancepractices,pestcontrols,andenvironmentalstresses affectthequalityofsportsturf.

1.2BIOLOGYANDIDENTIFICATION

Turfgrassbiologyisthestudyofthevitalplantprocessesnecessaryforturfgrass growthanddevelopment.Theseprocessesaredividedintothecategoriesofmorphology,anatomy,andphysiology.Turfgrassmorphologyistheoutwardformor structureoftheturfgrassplant.Turfgrassanatomyconsistsoftheinnercell,tissue, andorganstructuresthatcombinetoformthewholeplant.Turfgrassphysiology referstothemetaboliceventsandpathwaysthatformulatethelifeprocessesofthe plant.Theunderlyingabilityofgrassestosurviveandpersistasturfisduetotheir specializedmorphology,anatomy,andphysiology.

Turfgrassculturalpracticesdeterminethegrasses’abilitytoadaptasaturf.These practicesincludemowingandseasonalrenovationspractices,suchasaeration,vertical mowing,andsoon.Anunderstandingofturfgrassbiologyandturfculturalpractices allowsustopredictaturfgrassresponsetotheseculturalpractices,andtohaveabetter understandingofhowturfcanbemanagedtohelpittolerateinjurybypestsorby mechanicalorenvironmentalstresses.

Outofthe12grassescommonlyusedasturfgrasses,the6speciesusedin sportsturfsituationsarecool-seasonspeciesKentuckybluegrass(Poapratensis L.), tallfescue(Schedonorusarundinaceus (Schreb.)Dumort.,nom.cons.syn. Festuca arundinacea Schreb.),perennialryegrass(Loliumperenne L.),andcreepingbentgrass (Agrostisstolonifera L.syn. A.palustris Huds.);andwarm-seasonspeciesbermudagrass(Cynodon spp.)andseashorepaspalum(Paspalumvaginatum Sw.),asshown inTable1.1.Twootherswarm-seasonspecies,buffalograss[Boutelouadactyloides (Nutt.)J.T.Columbus,syn. Buchloedactyloides L.]andzoysiagrass(Zoysia spp.),are sometimesusedforsportsturf,butinfrequently.

Thewarm-seasonspeciesbermudagrassandseashorepaspalumareusually plantedandmaintainedalone(orasa“monostand”)exceptwhenoverseededwith perennial,annualryegrass(Loliumperenne L.ssp. multiflorum (Lam.)Husnot) orintermediateryegrass(Lolium × hybridum Hausskn.)forwinterplay.However, successisbeingachievedinsometransitionzonelocationswithaperennialtwo-grass turfwhereKentuckybluegrassisestablishedwithbermudagrass(commonlyreferred toas“bluemuda”).ThecoolseasonspeciesKentuckybluegrass,tallfescue,and perennialryegrassareplantedandmaintainedaseithermonostandsorincombinationwithoneanother(as“polystands”).Creepingbentgrassisusuallyplantedas amonostand.

Thelimiteduseofbuffalograss(Buchloedactyloides resultsfromsomeofitsspecial characteristics.Buffalograssisawarm-seasongrassusedprimarilyinaridwarm-season, transition,andcool-seasonregionsintheUnitedStates.Itslimitationispoorwear

Table1.1 Characteristicsofturfgrassescommonlyusedforsportsturf.

TurfgrassSpeciesStrengthasSportsTurfLimitationasSportsTurf

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.)

Kentuckybluegrass (Poapratensis L.)

Strongindeterminaterhizomes andstolons(excellentsod knitting),robustvegetative growthandrecuperativeability, excellentwearresistance,and goodsurfaceresiliency.

Tallfescue(Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.,nom.cons. syn. Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)

Perennialryegrass (Loliumperenne L.)

Strongdeterminaterhizomes (excellentsodknitting), robustvegetativegrowthand recuperativeability,moderate wearresistance,goodsurface resiliency.

Primarilywarmclimaticregionsof UnitedStates,butcultivarswith improvedcoldtolerancearerapidly expandingitintothetransition zone,vegetativepropagationonly ofmostimprovedtypes,improved seededcultivarsnowavailable toutingenhanceddensityand superiorcoldtoleranceforsome cultivars.

Coolclimaticregions(including northerntransitionzone)ofUnited States,withexceptionofnew hybridbluegrasses(P.pratensis x P. arachnifera)thatshowpromiseas monostandsorwhenmixedwith tallfescuesandperennial ryegrassesinthesouthern transitionzone;traditionally consideredtohaverelativelyslow establishmentfromseedbut breedingeffortsarenowprovided fastergerminatingcultivars,thus enhancingthisgrass’suseon heavilytraffickedsportsfields.

Creepingbentgrass (Agrostisstolonifera L.)

Excellentwearresistance,robust primaryandvegetativegrowth, goodsurfaceresiliency, adaptedtotransitionzoneof UnitedStateseitheraloneorin combinationwithbluegrass.

Excellentwearresistance,robust primaryandvegetativegrowth, prolifictillering,rapidseedling growth,superiormowing aestheticsandgoodchoicefor winteroverseedingof bermudagrass.

Toleratesregularmowingat 1/4 inch,robustvegetative growth,strongstoloniferous growthhabitprovides recuperativepotential.

Seashorepaspalum (Paspalumvaginatum Sw.)

Strongindeterminaterhizomes, goodsurfaceresiliency, exceptionallysalttolerant,good visualmowingquality,better low-lightperformancethan bermudagrass.

Limitedtotransitionorwarmer regionsofUnitedStates,weak determinaterhizomes(poorsod knitting).

LimitedtocoolregionsofUnited States(includingnorthern transitionzone),lacksrhizomes andstolons(verypoorsod knitting),subjecttodamagefrom environmentalandpestextremes.

LimitedtocoolregionsofUnited States,droughttoleranceispoor, slowseedlinggrowth,lacksshear strengthandresistancetodivoting, primaryuseforlowcutsurfaces includingtennis,croquet,etc.

Limitedtothewarmestregionsof UnitedStates,moresensitivityto manypesticidesthanmost bermudagrasses,somewhatslow recuperativepotential.

tolerance,obviouslyaproblemforsportsturf.Theauthorsrecommendthegrasses listedinTable1.1assuperiorchoicestobuffalograssforsportsturfuseunlessthere isnotsufficientwaterforirrigationtosupporttheseotherchoices.

Zoysiagrass(Zoysia sp.)isawarm-seasongrassinthetransitionzoneoftheUnited States.Ithasexcellentcoldandweartolerancesandgoodadaptationtolow-lightsituationslikemoderateshade.Themostimportantlimitingfactorofzoysiagrassasasports turfisitsveryslowrecuperationfrominjuryorwear.Zoysiagrasscultivarsselected forfasterlateralgrowthratesandshadetolerancewerepromotedforsportsturfuse forthefirsttimeinthelate1990s.However,thepoorrecuperativepotentialcontinuestolimitwidescaleacceptanceofzoysiagrassforsportsfielduses.Effortscontinue inthedevelopmentofnewcultivarsandmanagementstrategiesthatmightbroaden theuseofzoysiagrassforsportsturfs.Asresearchanddevelopmentinzoysiagrasses continues,itisanticipatedthatsomecultivarswillserveassportsturfs,especiallyfor soccer,baseball,andsoftball.Whereadaptedforuse,keepinmindthatbothzoysiagrassandbuffalograssofferthepotentialashigh-quality,low-maintenanceturfgrasses thatrequireminimalinputs(water,mowing,fertility,etc.).Whilethesegrassesmight notalwaysserveasportsturfuse,sportsfacilitiesquiteoftenhaveturfareasparticularly suitedforlow-maintenancegrasses.

1.2.1TurfgrassMorphology

Turfgrassmorphologyisanimportantcharacteristicthatallowsthese grassplants to formadense,compactcommunitywhentheyarecultivatedproperly.Themorphology ofturfgrassescanbecategorizedintofourtypes:(1)bunch-type,(2)stoloniferous, (3)determinaterhizomatous,or(4)indeterminaterhizomatous(seeFigure1.1). Allmorphologicaltypesaredesignedtokeeptheplant’sgrowingpointsatorbelow thesoilsurface.

1.2.2TurfgrassAnatomy

Acriticalaspectofturfgrassanatomyisthelocationofgrowingpointsor“meristematic”zones(i.e.,zonesofcelldivision).Localizedgrowingpointsofturfgrassoccur atthestemapexesorbuds,leafbladeandsheathmeristems,nodes,rootapexes,and rootpericycle(seeFigure1.2).

Budsaretheoriginofallleaf(includingbladeandsheathmeristems)andstem tissue. Apicalbuds arelocatedatthe apex ortipofaturfgrassstemand axillarybuds are locatedinthe axil orinternalfoldofaleafsheath.Bladeandsheathmeristemsgenerate leafbladeandsheathstructures,respectively,andthebladeandsheathcombineto makeupthewholeleaf.Turfgrassestolerateclosecuttingbecausetheyareableto maintaintheirblademeristemsclosetothesoilsurface.Cuttingtooclosedamages theturfcanopybyremovingleaftissueatorbelowtheirmeristems.

Leafshapeisdeterminedbydifferencesinleafanatomyamongturfgrasses.Turfgrassleavesareeither rolled,folded,or filiform (seeFigure1.3).

Figure1.1 Thefourmorphologicaltypesofturfgrasses:(a)bunch-type,(b)stoloniferous, (c)determinaterhizomatous,and(d)indeterminaterhizomatous.

Figure1.2 Thelocationofturfgrassgrowingpoints:(a)bunch-typeturfgrasses, (b)stoloniferous-typeturfgrasses,(c)determinaterhizomatous-typeturfgrasses,and (d)indeterminaterhizomatous-typeturfgrasses.

Figure1.3 Thevariationinturfgrassleafanatomy:(a)rolledleaf,(b)foldedleaf,and(c)filiform leaf.

Rolledleaveshaveananatomyofequallydistributedandsizedvascularbundles, andequallydistributedzonesofcellswiththickenedsecondarycellwallstransecting theturfgrassblade.Foldedleaveshaveequallydistributedbutdifferent-sizedvascular bundlesanddifferent-sizedzonesofcellswiththickenedsecondarycellwallstransectingtheturfgrassblade.Filiformleaveshaveequallydistributedandsizedvascular bundles,butscatteredzonesofcellswiththickenedsecondarycellwallsdistributed throughouttheleaf.

Nodes arethepointsofattachmentoftheaxillarystemapexesorbuds,leafblade andsheathstructures(includingmeristems),andadventitiousroots.Turfgrassnodes arepartofthestemapexinturfgrasseshavingcompressedstemsand/orseparatedby internodesinturfgrasseswithelongatedstems(seeFigure1.4).

Compressedstemsarefoundonbunch-typeandabovegroundstemsofdeterminaterhizomatoustypeturfgrasses.Elongatedstemsarecharacteristicofstoloniferous,indeterminaterhizomatous,orbelowgroundstems(rhizomes)ofdeterminate rhizomatous-typeturfgrasses.Compressedstemsareusuallylessthan 1/8 inchlong andarefoundonperennialryegrass,Kentuckybluegrass,andtallfescue.Elongated stems(multiplenodeswithinternodes)canrangeinsizefrom 1/8 inchto4to6inches longandarefoundinKentuckybluegrass(rhizomesonly),bermudagrass(stolonsand

Nodesonturfgrasseswith(a)compressedstemsor(b)elongatedstems.

Figure1.4

rhizomes)seashorepaspalum(stolonsandrhizomes),andzoysiagrass(stolonsand rhizomes).Acollectionofcompressedstemslocatedinacentralcoreiscalledanode clusterorcrown.Therefore,crownsarefoundonlyinbunch-typeandaboveground stemsofdeterminaterhizomatousspeciesonly.

1.2.3TurfgrassPhysiology

Turfgrassesaredividedintotwogroupsbasedontheirtemperaturerequirements foroptimumgrowth.Turfgrassesaregroupedas warm-season (80–95∘ Foptimal growth)or cool-season (60–75∘ Foptimalgrowth)planttypes.Ofthesixcommon sportsturfspecies,bermudagrassandseashorepaspalumareclassifiedaswarm-season types,andtallfescue,perennialryegrass,Kentuckybluegrass,andcreepingbentgrassarecool-seasontypes.Thesetwogroupsofgrassesdifferintheirphysiology andanatomy.

Turfgrassphysiologyisacomplexseriesofmetabolicevents.Theseeventscanbe summarizedas energycapture,energyconversion,and energyutilization. Energycapture istheabsorptionbytheturfofsolarradiationthroughitscanopy orleaves.Tocapturesufficientenergy,theturfmusthaveaminimumcanopydensity. Mowingdefoliatestheturf’scanopy,andifthemowingheightistoolow,theturf can’tcaptureenoughenergy.Insomesituations,thecanopyoftheturfissufficient tocaptureadequateenergy,butthelevelofsolarradiationisinsufficient(e.g.,shaded environments).Sunlight-deprivedturfmaybeduetostadiumdesignorthepresence ofnearbytreesthatshadethefield.Insportsturf,canopydensitymaybecomelimited onbaseballinfields,grasstenniscourts,lacrosse,andotherareaswhereclosemowing heightsareused(seeFigure1.5).

Energyconversion includestheprocessesofphotosynthesisandrespiration.In bothoftheseprocesses,thehigh-energycompound adenosinetriphosphate (ATP) isformed.Ifcanopydensityandlevelofsunlightareadequate,theturfcanform ATP–providedallthemetabolicpathwaysarestockedwiththekeysubstrates.These keysubstratesincludechlorophyll,nicotinamideadeninedinucleotidephosphate (NADP),andelectrontransportpathwaymetabolites.Forsportsturf,adequatelevels ofthesekeysubstratesaremaintainedbysupplyingaproperbalanceofnitrogen, phosphorus,magnesium,manganese,andiron.

TheconversionofcarbohydratestoATPisthe respiration process.Inthisprocess, keysubstratesincludenitrogen,phosphorus,copper,andzinc.Failingtomaintain theproperbalanceorlevelsofthesenutrientscanrestrictthisportionoftheenergy conversionprocess(seeFigure1.6).

Energyutilization consistsofthemetaboliceventsthatcomprisethegrowthand developmentoftheturfgrassplants.Thiscomponentofturfgrassphysiologyiscomplexandinterdependentonmanydiverseprocesses.Keysubstratesincludenitrogen, sulfur,calcium,phosphorus,andpotassium.

Figure1.5 Aschematicrepresentationofturfgrassphysiology.

Figure1.6 Keysubstratesandnutrientsthatsupporttheirformationandmetabolism.

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