Effects of Compost Topdressing On Turfgrass Quality and Playability On Established Soil-Based Athletic Turf Under Traffic.

Little information is available regarding the effects of compost topdressing on the playing quality and soil properties of athletic turf under traffic. The purposes of this research were to measure the short term effects of a single topdressing application, before and after heavy traffic, on turf color, soil bulk density and playing quality characteristics on an established tall fescue turf. Sewage sludge compost (SSC), yard waste compost (YWC), and a sand/sewage sludge compost mix (SCM) at 70/30 (%v/v) were topdressed at three application rates (6, 13, 25 mm) in conjunction with a single core cultivation. Turf color was measured every two weeks. Soil bulk density, soil nutrient status, surface hardness and rotational and lateral shear strength were measured three months after initial compost application and after heavy traffic .Turf color increased with higher topdressing rates. Turf color lasted up to twelve weeks with SSC, seven weeks with SCM and six weeks for YWC. After wear, turf color decrease in all treatments, however, SSC and SCM showed the most acceptable turf color at higher topdressing rates. Prior and after wear all treatments presented rotational and lateral shear strength in the acceptable ranges for football and rugby. Compost topdressing did not affect surface hardness values significantly. Bulk density significantly decreases prior to wear with SSC at 13mm and 25 mm., however after wear bulk density increase in all plots. Turf color and soil nutrient status increased with compost treatments indicating a generally positive effect on overall turf quality.