Athletic Field Care

Athletic Fields require different levels of maintenance and performance according to the amount and type of use they get. Schools generally have two kinds of athletic fields; Level A fields are game fields where a higher level of maintenance and performance is required and Level B fields practice and recreation fields requiring a lower level of maintenance and performance. Here are the guidelines for managing both of these.

Level A Fields

Proper design and construction is essential and includes providing drainage (surface and sub surface), good root mix, adapted turfgrass species, and proper establishment techniques at the right time.

Best Management Practices include:

• Irrigate to supplement rainfall. Provide 1.0 inch of moisture per week with early morning applications.

• Mow at 2.0 - 3.0 inches, frequently enough to remove 1/3 of the leaf blade or less. This also eliminates clipping build up.

• Mow with sharp mowers, when turf is dry and soil is not excessively moist.

• Soil Test, and adjust pH as needed.

• Fertilize with 50% - 100% WIN material. Use rate of 0.75 lb. N / M around May 15, June 15, Sept. 1, and Nov. 1

• Phosphorus and potassium fertilization amounts should be based on a soil test.

• Aerify once or twice per year either in the spring or fall.

• Overseed thin areas of field in May - June or September.

• Limit games or practices when field is wet; particularly when soil is moist. Traffic on wet turf or excessively wet soil is particularly damaging.

• Scout for weed, insect or disease problems.

Level B Fields
Proper design and construction is essential and includes providing drainage (surface and sub surface), good root mix, adapted turfgrass species, and proper establishment techniques at the right time.

Best Management Practices include:

• Irrigate, in late summer, if turf is dormant and field will be used for fall sports.

• Mow at 2.5 - 3.0 inches, frequently enough to remove 1/3 of the leaf blade or less. This also eliminates clipping build up.

• Mow with sharp mowers, when turf is dry and soil is not excessively moist.

• Soil Test and adjust pH as needed.

• Fertilize with 50% - 100% WIN material. Use rate of 1.0 lb. N / M around May 15, and Sept. 1

• Phosphorus and potassium fertilization amounts should be based on a soil test.

• Aerify once per year either in the spring or fall.

• Overseed thin areas of field in May - June or September.

• Limit games or practices when field is wet; particularly when soil is moist. Traffic on wet turf or excessively wet soil is particularly damaging.

• Scout for weed, insect or disease problems.

Printable Version [PDF]

Additional Resources:

Tips for Athletic Field Care [PDF- Iowa State University]

Photo credits:

http://njturfmanagement.com/