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

Abstract

AbstractAthletic fields often use sand‐based root zones for improved drainage. Sand‐based root zones may have stability issues if turfgrass is not fully established. Our objective was to use organic amendments to improve the stability of sand‐based fields during the turfgrass establishment period and avoid overuse of inorganic materials, which have negative effects. Coconut coir, peat, or wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw at 1% organic material, peat at 2% organic material, and an inorganic stabilizing fiber, StaLok were tested, in the top 10 cm of the root zone of a Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) playing surface. In addition, rates of wheat straw, up to 2.5% organic matter were tested. Surface hardness (Gmax), volumetric water content, traction, penetration resistance, and visual quality were measured 2–4 mo after construction of the plots. Surface hardness was greatest in the inorganic stabilizer (51.7–61.7 g) and the wheat straw treatments (49.7–55.9 g). The kinetic penetration had no differences between the wheat straw (33.78–51.10 kPa) and the StaLok fibers (34.99–56.23 kPa). The results showed that it was possible to use up to 2% straw to increase the resistance to deformation and increase soil moisture while keeping acceptable visual quality and the surface hardness below 80 g. The organic matter from straw degraded faster than peat and after 4 mo of the growing season <1.5% remained. Wheat straw could be used to stabilize sand‐based fields as an organic alternative to inorganic fibers.