The Effects of Sod Planting Method and Cultural Practices for Sports Turf.

The intense use of sports fields and golf tees increases traffic and wear, which necessitates the reestablishment of worn areas.  Resurfacing with sod is the quickest way to recover such areas to a safe and playable form.  However, the rootzone brought in with the new sod often does not match the rootzone of the existing playing surface and layering can occur, which can be particularly problematic in sand-based rootzones.  Layering can restrict water and airflow, which in turn can affect physical properties of the sod and rootzone.  Alternative planting methods such as washing or core aerifying the sod prior to establishment along with post aerification and topdressing may enhance physical properties of sod such as sheer strength and root mass as well as improve physical properties of the rootzone such as infiltration and soil moisture.