[SustainableNC] Special guidance for athletic fields text

[Sharron Rogers]

Guidance Regarding Water Restrictions and Athletic Field Maintenance

Dr. Art Bruneau

Department of Crop Science<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

North Carolina State University

 

 

Non-essential fields can be defined as fields that have been taken out of
play or do not expect to receive play in the near future.  Such fields
should be irrigated lightly  (1/4 inch of water per application).  This
light rate is required to prevent excessive plant loss and erosion, and will
not stimulate growth.  Irrigation frequency will depend upon turf
composition.  In general, fields comprised of tall fescue should receive
this light rate every two weeks whereas bermudagrass and Kentucky bluegrass
fields will go dormant or semi-dormant and can go without water for up to
four weeks.  When a non-essential field is returned to play, the irrigation
practices discussed below for essential fields should be implemented six
weeks before play is scheduled.

   

Essential fields can be defined as fields that receive play or are expected
to receive play in the near future.  (Important Note: Hard and dry fields
are potentially unsafe and can increase the possibility of player injury.)
Essential fields should be irrigated to moisten the soil to a depth of 6
inches each time the field is irrigated.  This should require no more than
an inch of water (620 gallons of water per 1000 sq ft) per application.  It
is best to irrigate early in the morning (4-6 AM) when winds are calm and
there is little evaporative loss.  Empty cans placed around the field can
help determine the amount being applied.   A soil probe can also be used to
determine the depth of soil moisture.  The field should not be irrigated
again until symptoms of wilt (folded or curled leaves, footprinting, or
bluish-green color) are apparent on 50% of the field.  This will actually
encourage deep rooting and result in more drought tolerant plants.  

 

It is not essential to overseed most bermudagrass fields in the fall with
ryegrass.  Bermudagrass fields can often withstand moderate play even though
the grass is dormant.  


 

 
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