wasbo fall conference module 5€¦ · 1.never mow more than one third the total height of your...
TRANSCRIPT
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Managing Sports Fields - Grass, Turf, and Synthetic Surfaces
WASBO Fall Conference Module 5
Good fields More than just mowing
Starts with the grass
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THE BASICS OF MAINTAINING SPORTS TURFGRASS
1. Aeration
2. Fertilizing
3. Overseeding
4. Mowing
5. Top Dressing
6. Watering
7. Weed control
AERATIONEarly spring and late fall
Mid season splice
High traffic areas
Compaction
Oxygen to root level
Combine with overseeding and fertilizing
Thin Grass, Compact Soil
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FERTILIZING
Nitrogen-Phosphate-Potassium
Nitrogen- Promotes fast growing greener grass allows the plant to produce more chlorophyll
Phosphate- Aids in root development increases flowering and bloom size Great starter fert for seeding
Potassium- Overall plant health builds strong plant cells aids in drought and cold protection
The numbers represent the % of each chemical in the fertilizer mix.
22-0-10 contains 22%nitrogen 0% Phosphate and 10% Potassium
UP DOWN ALL AROUND
1. The first number helps the plant above ground
2. The second number helps the plant below ground
3. The third number helps all around plant health
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Easy Holiday Schedule
Easter 18-12-6
Memorial Day 22-0-2
4th of July 22-0-2
Labor Day- 22-0-2
Halloween 22-0-14
Soil Samples
Soil samples tell the story of what the conditions are where you are fertilizing
Learn what is needed and what is not
Sandy or clay based soil
OVERSEEDINGOne of the most important preventative maintenance practices when managing turfgrass
Athletic fields need constant grass emerging to replace torn and worn grass as activities progress
Common areas
Goal mouths, Penalty kicks, Midfield, front of pitchers mound, On deck circle, between the hash marks, and any other high traffic areas.
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RYE GRASS
Perennial Ryegrass has the highest wear tolerance of any cool-season grass and can tolerate high traffic
1. Often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass
2. Moderate to high Maintenance
3. It has a low tolerance for heat shade and drought
4. High tolerance for cold
5. Germination rate 5-10 days
6. Optimal growing temp 50-75 degrees
KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS
Kentucky Bluegrass is a cool weather grass that grows best during the cool spring and fall months.
1. Can tolerate cold winters but very susceptible to go dormant in hot summer months if not managed
2. Has a moderate wear tolerance and recovers well from abuse
3. Germination rate 15-22 days
4. Optimal growing temp 59-86 degrees
OVERSEEDING RATES
1. RYEGRASS - 10lbs/1000sq’
2. BLUEGRASS - 2-3lbs/1000sq
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Overseeding
● Overseed in conjunction with aeration in the spring and fall.
● Overseed high traffic (goal mouths) areas biweekly before games
● Full overseed before and after each Athletic season (spring and fall) March, June, August, November
Topdressing
Definition- To spread material over the top of soil without working into the land
Why do we Topdress? - We topdress turfgrass to improve both agronomics and playing conditions
Topdressing Top 5
1. Smooth the playing surface
2. Modify the thatch layer
3. Change the soil texture
4. Provide resilient playing surface
5. Provide favorable environment for germination
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MOWING
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⅓ Mowing Rule1.Never mow more than one third the total height of your grass blades
2.Helps promote deep root growth
3.Reduces clippings
SHARP BLADES
1. Dull blades tear the grass rather than cut it
2. Sharpen blades bi weekly depending on acreage mowed
3. Spare set already sharpened
4. Sharp blades help keep a crisp even turf
Change Directions
-Change mowing directions to evenly distribute clippings and wheel ruts
-Clippings contain nutrients needed for healthy turf
-Only bag if grass becomes too long
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Mowing heights / Playability
Adjust height of turf to event scheduled
1. Soccer - 2.25”
2. Baseball infields - 2.25”
3. Baseball outfields - 2.5-2.75”
4. Football - 2.25-2.5”
5. Offseason - 2.75-3”
STRIPING KITS
● Striping kits can add an extra touch to any playing surface
● Roller bar that fold the grass blades
● Train the grass
● Light color is the blade of the grass (facing away from you)
● Dark color is the tip of the blade (facing towards you)
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WATERING
Heavily used Athletic fields don’t Stand a chance without regular watering
1. Athletic fields should receive 1’’ of water per week natural or irrigated
2. Lack of water or improper adjustment of sprinklers
3. Water late evening early morning
4. Avoid watering in windy conditions
5. Avoid watering the night before early morning games
6. Poor water management can affect field playability even result in canceled games
7. Seasonal adjustment more in summer less in spring and fall
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IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
● Repairs can become costly but can be done in house
● Freeze/thaw
● Swing joints
● Sprinkler heads 360- adjustable
● Programing
● Proper Adjustment
● Winterizing
WATERWHEELS
● Ability to water without Underground irrigation system
● Adjustable speed
● Have to water during the day
● Can cover a football field
WEED CONTROL
Weed- Any plant growing in an unwanted area and in competition with cultivating plants.
● Post emergence vs pre emergence
● Speedzone 2-4-D
● Roundup
● Targeted weeds
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Maintain infields during the off season
Maintain infields during the off season
Maintain infields during the off season
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Name of Field
Outdoor Field Maintenance
Redo infields in the fall
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Warning Track Material
Daily Maintenance Checklist
Daily Maintenance Checklist (Cont)
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Annual Maintenance Checklist
Baseball Fields
Baseball Fields - Clean Edge
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Soccer Fields
Artificial Turf
Artificial Playing Surfaces
Can be a huge benefit with unknown weather conditions
Durable product to last 10-12 years
Consistent playing surface
Multi-purpose
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Turf Maintenance Log
Turf Maintenance
GroomRight + Magnet
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Events
Scheduling
Rotating
Traffic patterns
Plywood
Fireworks
Plowing
Turf Selection
Do your homework
Select artificial turf that matches the sports that will use the surface
Make sure all stakeholders are part of selection process
Bring each company in and know the differences
Understand weight and infill systems
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QUESTIONS
Steve Cianciolo
Rich Riggs
John Stangler