Quality Turf and Efficient Utilization of Resources: Evaluation of the Effects of Incorporation Rate and Depth of Water-Retentive Amendment Materials in Sports Turf Constructions
The research paper presents a laboratory study aimed at evaluating the effects of various amendment materials and their incorporation depth on water retention in sports turf constructions. The study utilized 300 mm rootzone profiles established in plastic cylinders, with a gravel drainage layer beneath. Five amendment materials—sphagnum peat, compost, zeolite, TerraCottem, and Stockosorb—were mixed with medium-coarse sand at different rates in both upper (0-150 mm) and lower (150-300 mm) rootzone layers. Key measurements included water retention, volumetric water content, shear strength, surface hardness, and permanent wilting point.
Results indicated that water retention was significantly influenced by the type of amendment material, with peat and Stockosorb yielding the highest retention, while TerraCottem and pure sand showed the least. The depth of amendment incorporation had a minimal effect on water retention in the upper layer, suggesting that amending only the upper rootzone could be more cost-effective without compromising water storage capacity. The study also found that rootzone mixes with peat and compost exhibited the highest shear strength, while Stockosorb resulted in lower strength due to reduced density from polymer expansion. The findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate amendment materials and their rates for optimizing water retention and turf performance.
This research paper is significant in the field of sports turf management as it addresses the critical issue of water retention in sand-dominated rootzones, which are commonly used in high-quality sports facilities. The research contributes to ongoing discussions about resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness in turf construction, particularly in the context of climate variability and water scarcity. By demonstrating that amending only the upper rootzone can achieve adequate water retention, the study offers practical insights for turf managers and landscape architects, potentially leading to reduced material costs and improved turf health. The findings also emphasize the need for careful selection of amendment materials to enhance turf performance, which is crucial for maintaining high-quality playing surfaces.
