ISHS Acta Horticulturae 779: International Symposium on Growing Media
SPORT TURF WEAR RESISTANCE ON SIX SUBSTRATES IN MEDITERRANEAN AREA (CENTRAL ITALY) |
| Authors: | C.F. Cereti, F. Rossini, G. Stancanelli |
| Keywords: | traction strength, silica sand, calcareous sand, sand top layer, bermudagrass, trampling simulation |
| Abstract:
The employment of silicate sand on sport turf substrates, although greatly recommended, is not ideal because of its costs and availability. In a trial test conducted in Central Italy (42°25’ N; 12°06’E), six substrates were analyzed in a three levels split-plot scheme: silica sand/peat USGA approved mix (SS); the same sand with added zeolite (SSZ); two native soil substrates with a 5 cm top layer of silica sand (TPS) or calcareous sand (TPC); native soil/calcareous sand mix (TC) and native soil (T). Three turfgrasses were tested: two cold season mixtures: lp) Lolium perenne L. and Poa pratensis L.; fp) Festuca arundinacea S. and Poa pratensis L. and c) Cynodon dactylon L. Plots were subjected to simulated trampling (CC) and no trampling (NC). The turf was managed with medium-low inputs to meet the needs of minor sport centres, which in Italy are widespread. The results, after two years of simulated trampling, show no changes in substrates apparent densities but noticeable effects on turfgrass development and characteristics. During the summer months, the turfgrasses cultivated on the sand-based substrates (SS and SSZ) showed increased susceptibility to water stress. The substrates protected with calcareous sand (TPC) and silicate sand (TPS) sustained good grass development without significant differences. The best performances were found on the parcels of Bermudagrass without trampling (c, NC). Bermudagrass, on the other hand, showed the greatest traction reductions when trampled (c, CC). No sustained differences were found on the development of the two turfgrass plots containing cold season grasses (lp and fp). Traction strength measured on the substrates always showed results which were over the F.I.F.A. recommended limits, going from over 85 Nm on Bermudagrass (c, NC) in full summer growth, to 75–80 Nm for the mixtures lp and fp. Test area climate causes long winter dormancy in bermudagrass, and winter trampling wear (c, CC) reduces traction resistance (30–35 Nm). Winter traction reduction on lp and fp mixtures was lower (35–45 Nm) and respected F.I.F.A. recommended limits. | |
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