1. Turfgrass Soils by R.W.Daniels PhD
Original Presentation
Landscape New Brunswick, February 2013

2. Our Topic
SPECIFICATIONS
SOILS
DRAINAGE

3. Present Day Work Force
Learning
Life Long
Upgrading
Present Skills

4. Students Learning Turf
First Year Students
(Note Physically Handling Turf Plants)
Fourth Year Students
Learn by Getting Close to Turf (Observing) , Listening, Taking Notes

5. Lifelong Learning Adults learn
Yes, Those with grey hair both teach and learn

6. Looks What's In The Soil

7. Today’s Topics
Soils: Composition, Terms (Structure, Texture), Soil and Water, pH, Thatch, Selecting Media
Specific Media Problems: Drainage (Surface, Sub-surface, Other), Organic Topdressing, Cultivation (options)
Summary

8. Initial Topics Soils: Composition Terms Soil and Water pH Thatch
Selecting Media

9. Know Your Soils/Media All Soils/Medias are NOT the Same
Develop the Right Management Program for Your Soil

10. Soils In Turfgeass
Relationship and Importance of Soils in Turfgrass Management is Poorly Understood
Lack of Basic Practical Knowledge of Soils
Non Appreciation of Importance of Soils on Drainage, Compaction and Plant Root Growth
GETTING SOILS RIGHT PREVENTS A LOT OF FUTURE PROBLEMS

11. Functions of Soil Supports Plant Provides Nutrients
Reservoir for Water
Receiver for Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide

12. Common Mistake in Turf Management
We Base our Decisions on Visual, Above Ground Symptoms
We Try a “Quick Fix” (It Often Works For a Short Period of Time)
With Turfgrass “The Bottom” (Roots) Run “The Top” (Above Ground Visual Vegetation)
Maintain (Establish) a Healthy Plant Root System and Your Worries are Greatly Demised

13. Causes of “The Problem”
Presence of “Hard Pan”
Extent of “Layering”
Past Management
Types of Media Used
Topdressing: Material Used, Application
Combination of MANY Things

15. Composition of an “Ideal Soil”
50 % Solids
45 % Mineral
5% Organic Matter
50 % Pore Space
25 % Water (Available & Unavailable)
25 % Air

16. Soil Phase Mineral Organic Matter Various Sizes Various Chemicals
Decomposed Plant and Animal Residue
Energy For Microbes
Improves Soil Physical Condition
Improves Soil Water Holding Capacity
Improves Water Infiltration
Is a Source of Nutrients

17. Composition of “Ideal” Soil
50 % Solid Phase
Available Water
Non Available Water
50 % Pore Space
45-47 % Minerals
3-5 % OM
25 % Water
25 % Air

18. Compacted Media

19. Soil Compaction Air & Water Relationship Becomes Unbalanced
Wear on Turf “Pushes” Air From Soil
Excess Water “Pushes” Air From Soil
Plant Roots DO NOT Grow In Soil
Plant Roots Grow in AIR SPACES Within Soil

20. Terms In Soil Description
Soil Structure
Proportion of Sand, Silt, and Clay Particles
Soil Texture
Arrangement of Sand, Silt and Clay Particles
Compaction & Bulk Density
Pore Space

21. Soil Structure Cementing Together of Sand, Silt and Clay
Cemented by Organic Matter and Humus
Structure Destroyed by
Traffic, Wear, Machinery etc
High Water Content (Water acts as a Lubricant and Individual Particles Slide Over One Another)

22. Relative Size of Sand, Silt & Clay
Surface Area per Gram (sq cm/g)
11 to ,000,000
Sand
Silt
Clay

23. Texture Determination-Feel
Parent Material Soil Texture Human Feel
100 % Sand Sand Gritty
% Sand Sandy-Loam Forms a Ball
% Sand Loam Gritty & Smooth
50 % Silt Silt Loam Flower
% Clay Clay Loam Sticky & Wet
>40 % Clay Clay Rolls Into Ribbon

24. Range of Sand, Silt & Clay Within Soil Types
Soil Percentage
Classification Sand Silt Clay
Sand
Loamy Sand
Sandy Loam
Loam
Silt Loam
Clay Loam

25. Acceptable Soils Can Cause Problems
Soil Percentage
Classification Sand Silt Clay
Loamy Sand
Sandy Loam – 20
PROBLEM MEDIA
Loam
Silt Loam
Clay Loam

26. Soil Texture Triangle

27. Terms Plant Available Water Gravitational Flow of Water
Water Available for Plants
Irrigate When 50 % of Available Water is Depleted
Gravitational Flow of Water
Water Present Between Maximum Water Holding Capacity & Field Capacity
Water Flows Multi-Directional Due to Forces of Adhesion and Cohesion

28. Other Important Terms Water Content of Soil Field Capacity
Maximum when all Pores are Filled with Water
Media is then Anaerobic (No Air Present)
No Root Growth
Get Presence of Toxins
Field Capacity
Amount of Water Retained after Macropores Have Drained (Water Remains in Micropores)

29. Soil Porosity That Portion of Soil Not Occupies by Solids
Area Between and Within Soil Aggregates
% Pore Space + % Solids = 100 %
Large Pores Drain Freely
Small Pores Retain Water
Ideal Soil of 50 % Pores Space can carry a 150 HP Tractor Without Damaging Surface

30. Effect of Pore Size Macropores Micropores (Capillary Pores)
Drain Due to Gravity
Drain First
Micropores (Capillary Pores)
Drain Slowly
When Pushed Together Result in Compaction

31. Soil Texture - Sand Composed of Large Sized Particles
Drains By Means of Macro-Pores
Characteristics
Considered a “Light” Soil
Good Internal Drainage
High Concentration of Air
Good Root Growing Environment
Dries Out Rapidly
Requires Frequent Watering & Fertilization

32. Soil Texture - Clay Composed of Small Sized Particles
Drains By Means of Micro-Pores
Characteristics
Considered a “Heavy” Soil
Poor Internal Drainage
Low Concentration of Air
Poor Root Growing Environment
Drains Poorly
Requires Infrequent Watering & Fertilization

33. Infiltration Rate Speed Water is Absorbed by Soil Rate Soil Amount
High Sand cm (3.0in) / Hour
Low Clay cm (0.3in) / Hour

34. Critical Relationship
SOIL
TURF
WATER

35. Water Concerns Source of Water Infiltration of Water Throughout Soil
Movement of Water Within Soil Profile
Control Over Water
Watering Requirement
Plant Species
Turf Usage (Activity Played)

36. Importance of Water to Plant
75 to 85 % of Plant is Water
10 % Loss of Water May Kill Plant
Given Time Plant will Compensate for Reduced Water
Excessive Amounts of Water will also Damage Plant

37. Function Of Water In Turf Plants
Source of Nutrients
Medium for Nutrient Transport
Regulated Plant Temperature
Provides Wilt Control
Reduces “Fertilizer Burn”

38. Excessive Soil Moisture
Reduces Root Growth
Reduced Drought Tolerance
Reduced Wear Tolerance
Succulent Leaf Growth
Increased Disease Susceptibility
Increased Nutrient Leaching
Increased Compaction

39. Inadequate Soil Moisture
Reduced Plant Growth
Plant Discolors
Get Temporary Wilting
Get Permanent Wilting
May Cause Death of Plant

40. Plant Drought Resistance
Escape………Plant Dies (Annual Bluegrass)
Dormancy….. Plant Becomes Dormant
Eg Older Varieties of K Bluegrass (Merion)
Adaptation
> Number of Roots & Root Hairs
> Water Absorption Capacity
> Plant Root Growth

41. Water Not Available Management Strategies
Spring Cultivation (Aeration)
Moderate Levels of Nitrogen
Adequate Levels of P, K, Fe
Increase Seasonal Mowing Height
Good Pest Management
Cultural Practices that Reduce Plant Stress

42. Drought Tolerance of Turfgrass Species
HIGH TO LOW TOLERANCE
Fine Fescue
Tall Fescue
Kentucky Bluegrass
Perennial Ryegrass
Colonial Bentgrass
Creeping Bentgrass

43. Water Infiltration and Soil Structure
Water Movement Soil Type
Rapid: Granular, Single Grain
Moderate: Blocky, Prismatic
Slow: Massive, Platy

44. Soil Drainage 50 % Macropores 50 % Micropores Large Pores
Drain Rapidly
Move Air and Water
50 % Micropores
Small Pores
Hold Water Against Gravity

45. Soil Moisture Classification
Gravitational…Held By Gravity
Capillary…Held in Small Pores
Hygroscopic…Most Tightly Held

46. Infiltration Rate Rate Water is Absorbed Varies with Soil Texture
Varies with Rate at Which Water is Applied
Varies with Current Environmental Conditions
Varies with Existing Ground Cover
Varies with Existing Topography

47. Application of Water Soil Perk Infiltration Available Water
Sand in/hr in
S-Loam in/hr in
Loam in/hr in
S-Loam in/hr in
C-Loam in/hr in
Clay in/hr in
Perk: Percolation Depth for 1 inch of Water

48. pH And Soil pH is Measurement of The Concentration of H Ions
Is a Logarithmic Scale
Individual Units are Ten X
Turf is Adapted to a pH Range of 5.5 to 7.0
Low pH Limits Availability of Essential Elements

49. Adjusting pH To Increase pH Add Limestone
Powder, Granulated and Pelletized Forms
Vary in Cost, Handling, Rate of Release
To Lower pH Add Sulphur
Use Sulphur Based Fertilizers

50. pH and Nutrient Availability

51. Effect of pH on Nutrient Uptake
Percent Wasted
Soil pH Nitrogen Phosphorus Potash Total

52. Thatch Excess Accumulation of Material
Consists of Dead Roots, Stems and Leaves
Impedes Plant Growth
< Root Penetration
< Nutrient Take Up
Makes Surface Uneven
Results in Uneven Mowing

54. Excessive & Severe Thatch
Excessive Thatch
Limits Growth
Severe Thatch
Impedes Growth

55. Thatch & Media Problems
Mat
Layering
Clay media

56. Compaction Result of Excess Traffic Decreases Water Infiltration Rate
Decreases Oxygen Concentration
“Wet” Soils Result in Increased Compaction & Less Field Playability
Poor Playing Surface (Uneven, etc)

57. Effects of Excess Traffic
Soil Compacts
Percent of Macropores is Reduced
Decreased Water Infiltration Rate
Decreased Movement of Water Within Soil
Less Air Available to Plants

58. Reducing Field Compaction
Increase Sand Content in Growing Media
Increases Initial Cost of Field
May Decrease Athletes Foot Traction
Increases Maintenance Cost
Increase Seasonal Water Usage
Increases Seasonal Field Usage

59. Increase Organic Matter Content
Increases Water Holding Capacity
Increases Nutrient Holding Capacity
Decreases Water Infiltration Rates
Requires Increase Frequency of Aeration
Get Thatch Accumulation

60. Media Selection 100 % Soil-Based 100 % Sand-Based Texture Fertility
Organic Matter Content
Amounts of Silt + Clay
100 % Sand-Based
Need 80 % Plus Sand Component

61. Media Selection Have Media Properly Tested
Specifications Are When Media is First Blended/Mixed
May be Mixed With Loader (Skilled Operator)
Re -Test Media After Mixing/Blending
Once Placed on Site Media “Changes”

62. Media Preparation On Site Blending Mixing With Loader Most Accurate
Accurate With Skilled Operator

63. Samples Taken From Mixed Material

64. Composition of Selected Turf Medias
Sandy Loam
55-70 % sand, 10-45% silt, 0-20 % clay
Loamy Sands
70-90 % sand, 0-30 % silt, 0-15 % clay
Sand-Based
90 % plus sand

65. Sample Water Infiltration Rates
Sand: Soil : Peat………………….cm/ hr
85.0 : 7.5 : …………………..7.6
85.0 : 5.0 : 10.0…………………..18.9
85.0 : 0.0 : 15.0…...………………29.8
90.0 : 0.0 : 10.0 …………………..60.5
Rate Depends on Specific Composition of Each: Sand, Soil and Peat

66. Media Particle Gradation
Gravel……………………..2.0 mm and greater
Very Course Sand……… mm
Coarse Sand……………..1.0 – 0.5 mm
Medium Sand…………….0.5 – 0.25 mm
Fine Sand………………… mm
Very Fine Sand………… mm
Silt………………………… mm
Clay.…………………… Less than mm

67. Sand Based Field Particle Distribution-Category 1 Field
Particle Type Acceptable
Range %
Gravel < 10
Very Course Sand <10
Course + Medium
Fine Sand < 25
Very Fine Sand < 10
Silt + Clay (Max) <15

68. Category 1 Field Additional Requirements
35 to 55 % Porosity
15 to 30 % Air - Filled Porosity
15 to 30 % Capillary Porosity
12.5 – 25.0 cm (5 to 10 in.) / Hour of Water Infiltration
1 to 4 % Organic Matter Concentration

69. Sand Based Field Particle Distribution-Category 2 Field
Particle Type % by Acceptable
Volume Range %
Gravel < 10
Very Course Sand or <
Course + Medium
Fine Sand
Very Fine Sand
Silt + Clay (Max)

70. Soils
Common Occurring Problems
and
Practical Solutions

71. Latter Topics Specific Media Problems: Summary
Drainage (Surface, Sub-surface, Other)
Topdressing (Organic)
Cultivation-Options
Summary

72. Know Your Soils
Touch the Soil
Feel the Soil

73. Media Selection Get Consistent Supply of Media
Set Your Standards-Have Specifications
Test Regularly
Continually Monitor Quality

74. Sourcing & Blending of Media
Proper Mixing
Sampling
Note Holes in Pile
Sample On site
Test Samples in Lab
Know Your Supplier

75. Five Athletic Field Categories
Design
Soil (% Silt + Clay) > 40 % All Soils
Sub-Surface Drains Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Irrigation Yes Yes ----Optional No
Lights Yes Yes ----Optional No

76. “Acceptable” Soils Can Cause Problems
Soil Percentage
Classification Sand Silt Clay
Loamy Sand
Sandy Loam – 20
PROBLEM MEDIA
Loam
Silt Loam
Clay Loam

77. Soil Texture Triangle

78. Check Drainage
Dig a Hole
Add Water
Observe Results

79. Collecting Soil Samples
Difficulty in Collecting Samples is an Indicator
Observe Sample Collected

80. Add Sand to Media Topdressing Silt + Clay = 25 %
Reduce Silt + Clay to 10 %
Requires 1.4 inches sand
Six Topdressings
At 0.25 inches

81. Program for Improving Drainage to This Field
1.5 inches Sand Required
Improves Top 4.0 Inches of Media
Year 1
2 Topdressing / Year at 0.25 inches / Application
0.5 inches Topdressing / Year
2 Core Aerations
Repeat in Years 2, and 3
Have only Improved Top 4.0 Inches of Growing Media AFTER THREE YEARS

82. Program (Cont’d)
Have “Hard Pan” (Poorly Drained Media) at and below 4.0 inch Level
“Deep Tine” (Verti-Drain)
Topdress
How Much Sand Penetrates Below the 4.0 inch Level?
Is this Cost Efficient?
Field Marginally Improves in Each Year

83. Starting Over
Sometimes it Pays to be Realistic and Simply Start Over

84. Pitfalls of Construction Surface Drainage
Remove Maximum Amounts of Water by Surface Drainage (Fastest, Easiest & Most Economical)
Drain to Perimeter of Playing Surface
Remove Excess (Drained) Water from Site

85. Initial Signs of Poor Drainage
Excessive “Wet” Area at Perimeter
Check For “Wet” Area In Playing Field
Repair Initial Problem

86. Surface Field Drainage
Crowned at Center
Water Drains to Each Side
High on One Side
Water Drains Across Field Surface

87. Surface Field Drainage
Crown is Center Point of Field
Water Drains in All Directions
High at One Perimeter Point
Water Drains Across Playing Surface

88. Understanding Drainage
Spacing of Individual Tile Lines MUST Account for:
Gravitational Pull of Water
Water Runs
Sideways (Lateral) Into Tile Lines
Downward in Soil Profile to Tile Lines

90. Initial Signs of Poor Drainage
Dead Grass in Spring
Presence of “Poa”
Wet Areas When Aerating

91. Field Infiltromoter Field Testing for Poor Drainage
Reasonably Accurate
An Indicator of Degree of Internal Drainage Problems

92. Getting Soil Profile
Difficulty Getting Sample
No Surprise

93. TROUBLE
Excessive Thatch
Poor Growing Media

94. Plan The Project Make On Site Assessment Determine Drainage Pattern
Determine Water Outlet
Use Proper Material and Personnel
Solve the Problem vs Moving it to Another Location

95. Steps in Sub-Surface (Tile) Drainage-Existing Field
Cover and Protect Existing Turf During Construction
Remove Existing Turf
Keep if Quality is Good
If Keeping, Remove and Store in “Safe” Place
Excavate Drain Lines
Cut “Narrow” Trench
Remove “Excess” Material From Site

96. Drainage Instillation (Continued)
Add 2.5 to 5.0 (1 to 2 in) of “Pea” Gravel 1.3 to 2.5 cm (0.5 to 1.0 in ) Diameter
Connect Laterals at 45 Degrees
Cover Installed Drains with 10 cm (4in) Layer of Pea Gravel
Backfill Trench (Use Appropriate Material)
Replace Sod, New Sod or Seed

97. Excavation, Installing Tile & Sand

98. How To Remove Water When Slope is Non Existent

99. Solution High Profile Area Intense Traffic No Existing Slope
No Drainage Outlet
Solution
Dig Large Pit
Fill With Coarse Gravel
Slope Immediate Surface

100. Organic Topdressing Environmentally Friendly Contributes to Recycling
Encouraged by Society
Politically Great

101. Usage of Organic Topdressing
Use Properly (Small Applications)
Good Results
Incorporate into existing media (AERATE)
If Small Amounts are Good, LOTS MUST be GREAT
PROBLEMS……………….LAYERING

102. Organic Topdressing Initial “Green-Up” Apply More Eventually - Get
Continuous Color
Eventually - Get
Organic Layer
Thatch
Poor Plant Growth

103. Cultivation Options Based on Soil Depth Penetration
Vertical Mower I
N Coring (Hollow/Solid Tine)
C Spiking
H Slicing E
S AerWay Slicer, Mole Plow
Verti-drain, Hydro-jet

104. 1 to 6 Inches Deep Coring Spiking Slicing Hollow and solid tine
Drives a “solid” tine into media
Slicing
Cuts by means of a “slicing” action

105. Core Cultivation Vertical Holes in Soil Core of Existing Media Removed
Increased Air Flow and Water Penetration
Opening for Topdressing
Improve Media Over Time

106. Slicing Vs Coring

107. Hollow Tine Aerator “Spoon” Type Action Cores are Removed
Cores: 5 to 20 mm Diameter
Penetrates 7 to 20 cms
Solid Tines may be Used

108. Coring (Options) Add Weights for more Depth
Turf Requites 7 to 10 Days for Healing
Edges of Holes Dry Out
Not Done in July or August

109. Topdressing It is a Necessity Hard to do Properly
Practice is Often Abused
May Result in Permanent Damage
Expensive (Material) and Time Consuming (Labor to Apply Material)

110. Soil Problem-Solutions
Proper Diagnosis
Get Second Opinion, Do Tests
Establish a Plan
Based on Agronomy
Stay With “The Plan”
Be Realistic
Time Involved (years)
Costs (Remedies are NOT cheap)
Few Remedies Equal “Perfection”

111. Media Specifications Specify Soil Type: Sandy Loam etc
Specify % Silt + Clay
Specify Percolation (Internal Drainage)
These are the Main Indicators

112. Future of Turf Care Move From an Approach of Solving Problems
with Traditional Products / Practices To
How Can We Solve Problems by
Altering Seasonal Cultural / Management
Programs / Practices

113. Future - Examples Carbon Footprint Example: “Polyon” Fertilizers
Products & Practices Which Cause Least Negative Environmental Impact
Example: “Polyon” Fertilizers
Formulation, Application Based on Seasonal Date for Specific Area
One to Two Applications / Season
Provide Acceptable, Consistent Results
Example: “Futura 3000” Perennial Ryegrass
Overwinters Well
Continually Overseeding as Required