Wednesday, November 15, 2006
263-6
Seasonal Changes in Botanical Diversity and Coverage on Two Soccer Fields in Poland.
Aneta K. Studzinska1, Franciszek Gospodarczyk1, Pamela J. Sherratt2, David S. Gardner2, and Karl Danneberger2. (1) Agricultural University of Wroclaw, Dept. of Grassland and Landscape Planning, Wroclaw, Poland, (2) The Ohio State University, Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science, Columbus, OH 43210
A study was conducted to evaluate changes in plant diversity and turf coverage on two soccer fields in Poland from April through October, 2003. The fields were located 60 kilometers apart in Wroclaw and Lubin. Both fields were maintained at a medium level of cultural intensity. Average pitch usage in Lubin and Wroclaw was 10 and 5 hours a week, respectively. Plant species composition and density measurements were taken in April, July, and October. Plant species were identified within a 240 cm2 on 10 m spacing along two diagonal lines. Density measurements were taken utilizing a specialized 16-point quadrat frame developed by STRI. Measurements were taken randomly from penalty zones, and center zones. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was the primary turfgrass species present on both fields at 82% and 64%, respectively for Lubin and Wroclaw . Population changes did not occur during the season. Initial turf density in April for Lubin and Wroclaw was 80% and 76%, respectively. In July density measurements increased to 97% in Lubin and 95% in Wroclaw . In October they decreased to 91% in Lubin and 89% in Wroclaw . Perennial ryegrass appears to be a stable turfgrass species on sportsfields in Poland .