Evaluating Mowing Height and Fertilizer Regimes for Re-Establishment of Sports Fields in 70 Days. (3760)
Authors:
J.T. Vanini* - Michigan State University J.N. Rogers, III - Michigan State University
Abstract:
In 2002, the state of Michigan reported that there are 13,500 acres of sports fields at the university, college, primary and secondary levels. Little information exists for the sports field manager on the best possible ways to re-establish the most
trafficked areas on the field during the summer time. In concert with this study, the two practices the sports turf managers performed the most, no matter the
maintenance level, was mowing and fertilization. A study was conducted at Michigan State University, in 2002 and 2003, to evaluate the importance of
mowing height and fertility regimes for re-establishment of sports fields before the playing season commences. The objective of this study was to clarify the
importance of these two factors in regards to cover and performance of the turfgrass stand. Data collected were cover ratings, the Eijkelkamp shearvane, shear/clegg apparatus, the Clegg Impact Tester (CIT), root pull and plant counts. Traffic was applied with the Cady Traffic Simulator (CTS). Results indicated mowing height was only significant with cover ratings at the end of the 70 day window. Various fertilizer sources were used and significant differences existed among fast and slow release products. In general, the higher the cover rating at the end of the 70 day re-establishment, the better surface performed.
Speaker Information: J.T. Vanini, Michigan State University, 162 PSSB, East Lansing, MI 48824; Phone: 517-355-0271, ext. 1137; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Monday, November 1, 2004, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Presentation Start: 1:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 1330)