Photo Credit: Courtesy of J. S. Ebdon
Recreational turf provides for healthy activities and important entertainment value to society. Unlike ornamental turfgrass on residential and commercial properties, recreational surfaces are exposed to different stresses and provide a uniquely different function.
Recreational turf--such as on athletic fields--requires a smooth, uniform and firm surface that allows for true ball roll, as well as influencing the distance the ball rolls over the surface. These qualities, along with shoot density, provide adequate footing and cushioning to reduce the potential risk of injury to athletes. In a recent study that included varsity fields from nine high schools and three university fields in four New England states, we found that a dense turfgrass stand accounted for 39 percent of field-related injuries. Higher shoot densities were associated with fewer reported player-to-surface injuries. Additionally, research has shown that the potential for movement of nutrients and pesticides into surface and ground water is greatest under low vegetative cover. A high-density turf is important to preserve water quality and maintain safe playing surfaces.
Stressful Situations
The two principal stresses on recreational turf are wear and soil compaction--collectively referred to as traffic stress. Wear stress is bruising injury targeted at the aerial shoots with the loss of plant density, which effects traction, ball-bounce resiliency and ball roll. Soil compaction (soil hardness) alters the soil’s physical properties, which further affect surface hardness, traction, ball-roll distance and turfgrass rooting. Intensely trafficked grassy surfaces result in a loss of shoot density and function, leading to poor and unhealthy playing surfaces. High turf density increases the energy-absorbing qualities (resiliency) necessary for promoting better overall field conditions.