AERATION

PART 1-AERATION

Introduction

Like all plants, turfgrass requires air and water to grow and function efficiently. If the plant is unable to obtain these two elements in correct proportions the turfgrass will suffer. Turfgrass roots and beneficial micro and macro organisms require oxygen for respiration and the maintenance of life processes. Thus, the soil air relationship forms and integral factor in turfgrass growth. Roots and microorganism not only absorb oxygen but release carbon dioxide during respiration. An accumulation of carbon dioxide or other toxic gases could result in toxicity to any living organism contained in the soil. Thus, it is important to maintain a balance of oxygen and other potential toxic gases in the root zone through the exchange of gasses with the above ground atmosphere.

The process by which air in the soil is replaced by the air from the atmosphere is called soil aeration. Traffic from players and machinery over a turf eventually causes soil compaction. This prevents the downward movement of oxygen and water into the soil and the upward movement of the carbon dioxide and other toxic gases out of the soil.

SOIL COMPACTION

 Soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space between them. Heavily compacted soils contain few large pores, less total pore volume and, consequently, a greater density. In short soil compaction can be defined as the compression of the topsoil, primarily due to foot or vehicular traffic.

SOME SIGNS OF COMPACTED SOIL ARE:

1. Pooling or puddling of water in low areas.
2. Water running right off the soil in high areas.
3. Stunted growth of plants.
4. Shallow rooting of turfgrass plant.
5. Bare areas where even weeds or grass will not grow.
6. Areas too hard to drive a shovel or trowel in the soil.
7. Measure the compaction level with a Compaction meter.

DO NOT DO THESE TO YOUR SOIL.

1. Drive machinery over the soil, especially when it is wet.
2. Allowing play under wet conditions.
3. No remedial or preventive action on developing problems.
4. Destroy all microbial activity in a soil with heavy and repeated application of chemicals.
5. Irrigate heavily so that the soil is frequently waterlogged.
6. Heavy rolling to level the field. 

Media Department; The RS Group.