Inorganic amendments have been used to amend soils that are compacted by excessive traffic. Our objective was to evaluate Turface as a topdressing material and its effects on turfgrass growth. The study is being conducted on a local high school football/soccer practice field. Topdressing with Turface is being compared to a topdressing with a local mason sand.
A study was initiated in August 1996 to evaluate calcined clay (Turface® MVP) as a topdressing material. The study was conducted on an irrigated practice field containing native clay loam soil. The 9000 sq.ft. experimental plot area was arranged between the hash marks and 20-yard lines. Each individual plot measured 15 ft. by 50 ft. for a total of 12 plots. Treatments consisted of two topdressing materials, Turface or sand, with six replications. Six plots were topdressed with Turface (4500 total sq.ft.) and six plots were topdressed with sand (4500 total sq.ft.). Plots were core aerified with 3/4-inch tines at a 4-inch depth, materials (calcined clay or sand) topdressed, core aerified again, seeded with a Gridiron blend of three Kentucky bluegrass cultivars and two perennial ryegrass cultivars, and fertilized (Table 1). The sand was topdressed at the same depths as the Turface. Plots were arranged every 5 yards. Core plugs were left on the surface and the plugs and topdressing were mixed on the surface by separately dragging each plot.
The topdressing treatments and renovation schedule are presented in Table 1. To date, the Turface-treated plots contain a rate of 2142 lbs/ 1000 sq.ft. or 1606 lbs per plot area. One-quarter inch of topdressed calcined clay on the individual plots is equivalent to a rate of 714 lbs/ 1000 sq.ft. The experimental plot layout is presented in Table 2.
The study area receives fall football and spring soccer. So far there have been no distinct differences in turf quality or percent turf cover that can be attributed to the treatments. In the worn areas of the study and where soil is exposed, the Turface maintains a drier surface and improves playing conditions. The study will be continued through 1999.
Table 1. Renovation schedule for Turface and sand topdressing treatments.
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Sept. 1, 1996 |
Turface 1/4 in. (714 lbs/1000 sq. ft.) Sand 1/4 in. |
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Nov. 1, 1996 |
Turface 1/4 in. (714 lbs/1000 sq. ft.) Sand 1/4 in. |
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June 1, 1997 |
Turface 1/8 in. (357 lbs/1000 sq. ft.) Sand 1/8 in. |
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Sept. 1, 1998 |
Turface 1/8 in. (357 lbs/1000 sq. ft.) Sand 1/8 in. |
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ISU Horticulture:Publications:1999 Turfgrass Report | College of Agriculture |