MINERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS FOR BERMUDA GRASS GROWN ON A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER FIELD

Abstract

The efficient use of irrigation water and turf nutrition in sports fields requires the development of a management program oriented to attain both, esthetics (plant density, color and height) and sustainability. The hydroponic system under study consisted in a professional soccer field made up of sand and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon). A turf nutrition and irrigation program was developed from plant nutrient removal analysis, dry matter accumulation growth data and plant water use calculations. Turf growth, measured as dry matter accumulation was adjusted using a three parameter sigmoid model (R 2 =0.981). By deriving the growth equation the maximum daily rate of dry matter accumulation was 0.579 g m -2 day -1 . Calculation of daily water evapotranspiration rate was 4.29 mm day -1 . The developed hydroponics management protocol suggests that the amounts of macronutrients (g) that should be applied to the sport field per week per m 2 must be: N, 1.74; P, 0.184; K, 0.83; Ca, 0.576 and Mg, 0.266 Along with macronutrients, the quantities of micronutrients (in mg) should include Cu, 0.361; Fe, 1.87; Mn, 1.53 and Zn, 2.25. Split doses of macronutrient and micronutrient solutions into three equal fractions for the first three irrigations each week is recommended.