1. Football Field Maintenance and Management Procedures
TRF230

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

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

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

11. 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

12. 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