SPORTS FIELD

This week we will go over the next part of the seven segments of the structure to build a natural turf field.

Segment Three is Grass Selection, every natural turf field is unique in its requirements and environmental factors. Therefore, we must be very selective in what turfgrass we use in order to provide the most ideal results.

The components of turfgrass selection can be grouped into general categories:

1. The first group encompasses the inherited characteristics of a turfgrass cultivar which include:

a. The recuperative potential.
b. Wear tolerance.
c. Heat, cold, drought, flood, shade, wilt, and salinity tolerance.
d. Disease, insect, and nematode susceptibility.

These inherited controls must be considered in order to select the cultivar that is best suited to the environment, soil, use, and intensity of the culture under which it is to be grown.

2. The second group involves the atmospheric, soil and biotic components of the environment which influences the growth and survival of a turfgrass cultivar. Included among these environmental factors are:

a. Light
b. Temperature
c. Water
d. Nutrient Level
e. Soil Aeration
f. Traffic

These environmental factors are another component to be considered when selecting the best cultivar for the situation.

There are six basic components of turfgrass quality:

1. Density – Density is one of the more important components of turfgrass quality.
2. Texture – Turfgrass texture is a function of the width of individual leaves.
3. Growth habit – An upright or vertical positioning of turfgrass leaves is preferred.
4. Uniformity – A high quality turf should be extremely uniform in appearance.
5. Smoothness – Smoothness is component of turfgrass quality that effect ball roll.
6. Color – The turfgrass color determines the overall esthetic value.

Below is a table of the different types of Warm Season Turfgrasses, and their characteristics.

Media Department; The RS Group