Abstract
The sports field consists of three layers (sub-base, base (substrate) and grass). The base is responsible for the radicular development of the grass, directly influencing the characteristics that provide quality, water drainage and lawn durability and allows athlete performance. The construction of sports field base generally follows USGA (United States Golf Association) recommendations for golf course greens. Sand is the main component based on its high capacity for drainage. This study aimed to define the best composition of the base for sports fields covered with Bermuda grass. The following treatments were evaluated: T1: sand; T2: sand (80%) + peat (20%); T3: sand (90%) + clay soil (10%); T4: sand (70%) + sandy soil (30%) during 12 months. The experimental design consisted of a randomized block design, with a 4 x 12 factorial design (treatments x months), with 3 replicates and each plot measuring 3 x 4 m. During one full year, the following parameters were evaluated: surface traction of the turf, mechanical resistance of the base to penetration, humidity of the base, concentration of nutrients in grass clippings, and chemical analysis of the base. The tallest grass occurred in substrate of sand mixed with peat. This mixture also promoted the highest N and P levels in the leaves of Bermuda grass. Playability of the sports field, as determined by mechanical strength and surface traction, was unaffected by the type of substrate. The presence of peat, sand and clay soil mixed with sand promoted greater water retention at the base.
Highlights
Sports field grass differs from ornamental grass owing to its characteristic tolerance to wear and tear, as well as normal field use
Bermuda grass is a highly variable, sod forming perennial that spreads by stolons, rhizomes and seed; grows best under extended periods of high temperatures, mild winters and moderate to high rainfall in general, are drought tolerant, but do not tolerate poorly drained sites as compacted sites and heavy clay soils (DUBLE, 2001)
The physical characteristics of the base are extremely important, mainly its density and porosity, which directly influence root development and the availability of air and water to the plant (KÄMPF, 2001; SANTOS et al, 2002; FERRAZ and CENTURION, 2005). These characteristics are directly affected by compaction, which results in compression with correspondingly higher density and mechanical resistance, while, at the same time, reducing soil particle porosity and limiting the infiltration and redistribution of water, making gas exchange difficult
Summary
Sports field grass differs from ornamental grass owing to its characteristic tolerance to wear and tear, as well as normal field use. The physical characteristics of the base are extremely important, mainly its density and porosity, which directly influence root development and the availability of air and water to the plant (KÄMPF, 2001; SANTOS et al, 2002; FERRAZ and CENTURION, 2005) These characteristics are directly affected by compaction, which results in compression with correspondingly higher density and mechanical resistance, while, at the same time, reducing soil particle porosity and limiting the infiltration and redistribution of water, making gas exchange difficult. A compacted base will hinder the practice of sports, leading to increased risk of knee and ankle injury (FIFA, 2010) Agronomic techniques, such as leveling and drainage of the area, irrigation systems, and control of the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil and/or substrate are used to enhance the quality of sports field turf (KUHN and HAYDEN, 2012)
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