Sand‐capping depth and subsoil influences on 'Tifway' bermudagrass response to irrigation frequency and drought. (27th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dyer, Don W.; Wherley, Benjamin G.; McInnes, Kevin J.; Thomas, James C.; Hejl, Reagan; Reynolds, William C.
• Is Part Of: Agronomy Journal. Volume 112:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 3491
• Page End: 3499
• Publication Date: 2020-07-27
• Subjects: Agronomy -- Periodicals; 630
• DOI: 10.1002/agj2.20319
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-1962

Abstract

Abstract: Golf courses and sports fields with turfgrass surfaces have been moving toward sand‐based root zone construction to enhance playability. Sand‐capped systems are ideally suited for situations where poor water quality and/or clayey soils necessitate rapid drainage and the need to flush salts. This study evaluated sand‐capping depth and subsoil texture on dynamics and availability of water as well as subsequent turf canopy and rooting characteristics. Objectives of this study were (a) to assess season‐long turf performance and root distribution of 'Tifway' hybrid bermudagrass ( Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis Burt. Davy) turf established on various sand‐cap depths (0–5 cm topdressed over 2 yr or 5, 10, or 20 cm) atop two subsoils (fine sandy loam or clay loam) and (b) to determine how sand‐capping × subsoil combinations influence required irrigation frequency (1 vs. 2 d wk −1 at 0.6 × reference evapotranspiration) and soil moisture dynamics. Irrigation frequency had minimal effect on percent green cover during the entire study period. Root mass detected within the underlying 30‐cm subsoil was inversely proportional to sand‐cap depth. Turf performance during the study was primarily affected by capping depth and subsoil, suggesting that playing surfaces can be negatively affected if the wrong capping depth is chosen in the construction of sand‐capped turfgrass systems.