| dc.description.abstract | Growing budget and labor constraints are becoming a burden for facilities in the construction and management of natural turfgrass sports fields, so there is interest in economical alternative options to meet demand while still providing quality playing surfaces. The overarching objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of several turfgrass sports Growing budget and labor constraints are becoming a burden for facilities in the construction and management of natural turfgrass sports fields, so there is interest in economical alternative options to meet demand while still providing quality playing surfaces. The overarching objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of several turfgrass sports field characteristics and management strategies on field quality and playability. Specifically, three studies were conducted that evaluated the 1) influence of plant growth regulator application strategies (rate, reapplication interval, and stoppage) and cultivation practices (raking and verticutting) on overseeded hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy] sports field surface characteristics during simulated American football seasons, 2) traffic tolerance and recovery of several commercially available and experimental zoysiagrass cultivars compared to an industry standard hybrid bermudagrass cultivar under two traffic levels (moderate and high), and 3) effect of turfgrass species [i.e., bermudagrass, bermudagrass overseeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum)], soil moisture (“wet” and “dry”), and mowing height (“high” and “low”) on soccer athletes’ peak tibial accelerations during athletic maneuvers. Results from the first study showed that raking treatment effectively managed density with minimal impact on turfgrass quality, and stopping split rate PGR application before the season yielded comparable results to continuous full-rate application. In the second study, one of the zoysiagrass experimental varieties (‘DALZ 1818’) showed promise in terms of visual quality and energy restitution, but had the least desirable surface characteristics. Lastly, athletes’ biomechanics and perception, as well as field performance testing data indicated that dry-low management zone was preferred and had the highest peak tibial acceleration. Findings from this research provide sports field managers with additional options for constructing and maintaining their turfgrass sports fields to maximize field quality, playability, and safety. characteristics and management strategies on field quality and playability. Specifically, three studies were conducted that evaluated the 1) influence of plant growth regulator application strategies (rate, reapplication interval, and stoppage) and cultivation practices (raking and verticutting) on overseeded hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy] sports field surface characteristics during simulated American football seasons, 2) traffic tolerance and recovery of several commercially available and experimental zoysiagrass cultivars compared to an industry standard hybrid bermudagrass cultivar under two traffic levels (moderate and high), and 3) effect of turfgrass species [i.e., bermudagrass, bermudagrass overseeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum)], soil moisture (“wet” and “dry”), and mowing height (“high” and “low”) on soccer athletes’ peak tibial accelerations during athletic maneuvers. Results from the first study showed that raking treatment effectively managed density with minimal impact on turfgrass quality, and stopping split rate PGR application before the season yielded comparable results to continuous full-rate application. In the second study, one of the zoysiagrass experimental varieties (‘DALZ 1818’) showed promise in terms of visual quality and energy restitution, but had the least desirable surface characteristics. Lastly, athletes’ biomechanics and perception, as well as field performance testing data indicated that dry-low management zone was preferred and had the highest peak tibial acceleration. Findings from this research provide sports field managers with additional options for constructing and maintaining their turfgrass sports fields to maximize field quality, playability, and safety. | |
