Planting Method Affects the Establishment Quality of Sports Turf.

When establishing sports turf from sod, the soil brought in with sod often does not match the existing root zone material, and can create a problematic layer in the soil profile. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of establishment method and soil type on the rooting, turf quality, and soil physical properties of a sports field.   Standard sod, washed sod, and pre-harvest aerified sod and sprigs were established on sand-based and native soil areas.  Preliminary results have indicated differences in soil types with regard to root length and rooting strength.  Pre-harvest aerified sod had greater rooting strength and deeper roots in the native soil root zone, while washed sod had greater rooting strength and deeper roots in the sand-capped root zone.