Football Field Maintenance and Management Procedures TRF230

Field Inspection Field should be inspected at least once a week more often during the growing season Soil test: fertility levels and pH Look for any mowing problems: dull, scalping etc.. Soil moisture :irrigation needs and drainage issues Check the soil for compaction problems, thatch, root development Check High traffic areas Weeds, diseases an insects Make an inspection report

Warm Season Grass Maintenance You need to determine what events are going to take place on the field: What level of sport is being played on the field (elementary, high school, college or pros) Football only or football and soccer Game field or practice field You need to develop a maintenance plan that will work with the particular needs of your field

Fertilization Maximum fertility May through August to maximize growth during growing period Harden off warm season turf in fall with less amounts of Nitrogen and more Potassium Slow release Vs Quick release Nitrogen sources

Aeration and Topdressing Soil compaction prevalent along the side lines and between the hash marks Deep tine aerification if possible 2x in major compacted areas Aerification, topdressing, and dethatching should be done when the grass is actively growing Must be accomplished in time for the field to be ready for play

Overseeding When ? (fall of the year when bermuda is beginning to go dormant) WHY? (winter color and some recuperative ability in winter)

Should you overseed? Decision based on economics, coaches desire play scheduling Play the continues past fall and into the early spring then you should overseed Do not if plays ends in early November and will not resume until late spring

Mowing ¾ to 1 ½ inches in height but can be lower Raise mowing height in fall to promote winter hardiness Follow the 1/3 rule Do not neglect field during the off season

Irrigation Deep and infrequent 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per growing week

Weed Control Depends on whether the grass is overseeded Pre-emergent herbicides Post-emergent herbicides

Cool Season Grasses Depends on where you are growing them In the transition zone majority of growth will be in the spring and fall Fertility should be applied more so in the fall and winter and not a much in the spring Aerification should occur when turf is actively growing

Other Considerations Controlled Field Use Preventing or minimizing play or practice when field is wet Rotating areas of play and practice to allow turfgrass recovery Avoiding concentrated foot traffic, such as band or cheerleader practice Allowing newly planted fields to mature before practice or play begins Have separate play and practice facilities Allowing turfgrass recovery from winter dormancy before using it