Sand-based athletic fields

Sand-based athletic fields are sports turf playing fields constructed on top of sand surfaces. It is important that turf managers select the most suitable type of sand when constructing these fields, as sands with different shapes offer varied pros and cons. Regular maintenance of sand-based athletic fields is just as important as the initial construction of the field. As water and other aqueous solutions (fungicides, herbicides, and pesticides) are added, a layer of thatch may accumulate on the surface of the turf. There are different ways to manage this level of thatch, however the most common are aeration and vertical mowing.

Sand-based athletic fields are utilized by many professional sporting facilities as they provide efficient drainage, thus allowing games and matches to be played during rainfall. Improved filtration is also imperative to the prevention of common fungal diseases that occur in sports turf. An excess of availability of nutrients can expedite the occurrence of these diseases, as well as increase the severity of the disease. Diseases such as;

are commonly associated with prolonged periods of precipitation, followed by warm temperatures. Improving the speed at which water can filter through the soil, minimizes the time that pathogens have to accumulate in the turf. A turf manager must be able to identify the speed of water filtration, as timely irrigation patterns are essential in water management.

Highly maintained areas of grass, such as those on an athletic field or on golf greens and tees, can be grown in native soil or sand-based systems. There are advantages and disadvantages to both that need to be considered before deciding what type of soil to grow turf in. Native soils offer many positive qualities, such as high nutrient holding capacity, water holding capacity, and sure footing. However, native soil fields are typically very poorly drained. This causes problems with growing turf and maintaining a safe surface for players. Sand-based systems provide all of the above qualities, and also improved drainage. They allow the turf manager better control over moisture management and resist soil compaction.

Sand-based systems are composed of a sand-based root zone, often a gravel layer, and a drainage pipe (tile) system. Although the root zone of a sand-based system is mostly sand, amendments are can be added to increase the organic matter content and add stability to the root zone. Peat is a common root zone amendment used, but other organic and inorganic amendments can also be used. Peat has the ability to increase water and nutrient holding capacity and decrease bulk density. A common ratio of sand to peat ranges from 9.5:5 to 8:2. These ratios will allow a water holding capacity of 15 to 26% and increase nutrient holding capacity greatly.

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