ASTM F3339-20

Standard Guide for Construction or Renovation of Native-soil Athletic Fields

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 A dense, uniform, smooth and vigorously growing natural turfgrass sports field provides the ideal and preferred playing surface for most outdoor field sports. Such a surface is pleasing to the spectators and athletes. A thick, consistent and smooth grass cover also increases playing quality and safety by providing stable footing for the athletes, cushioning their impact from falls, slides or tackles and cools the playing surface during hot weather.  
4.2 Sand is commonly used to construct high performance athletic field rootzone systems. Sand is chosen as the primary construction material for two basic properties; compaction resistance and improved drainage/aeration state. Although sand-based fields generally provide for a higher level of performance, the costs associated with constructing/developing a proper, high-performance sand-based field often precludes its use for many athletic field construction projects. In these instances soil-based fields constructed with either native or imported soils; either topsoil or subsoil material modified to mimic the properties of a natural topsoil (a manufactured topsoil). These soils are sometimes modified with amendments to improve their performance properties either at the time of original construction or during a subsequent renovation. Although not approaching the same performance properties of a proper sand-based field construction; the implementation of proper design, construction, and athletic field maintenance can produce soil-based athletic field rootzones with acceptable performance characteristics.  
4.3 Properties of both the soil and grass plants must be considered in planning, constructing, and maintaining a high quality athletic field installation. Turfgrass utilized must be adapted to the local growing conditions and be capable of forming a thick, dense, turf cover at the desired mowing height. Soil-based fields provide varying levels of soil stability but such conditions often deteriorate rapidly under hi...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers techniques that are appropriate for the construction of athletic field rootzones using native-soil. This guide is also applicable to soils which are not native to the site but are natural (non-sand) imported soils. This guide provides guidance for the selection of soil materials, amendments, and methods for use in constructing these types of athletic field rootzones. Soils having a texture of Sandy Loam or coarser should be utilized for soil-based rootzone construction. Soils which are finer textured than listed above may be employed for rootzone construction but should be sand-modified to meet the performance criteria of this standard. If fields are constructed with soils which are finer textured, they will not be capable of meeting the performance criteria in this standard. Despite performance limitations, fields which are constructed with finer textured soils (due to logistics or budget constraints) may still be able to conform to the slope/grade criteria (see 5.1, 5.4, and Table 1). Sand modified rootzone constructions are not addressed by this standard.  
1.2 Decisions in selecting construction and maintenance techniques are influenced by existing soil types, climatic factors, level of play, intensity and frequency of use, equipment available, budget and training, and the ability of management personnel.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, ...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2020
• ICS: 97.220.10 - Sports facilities
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.64 - Natural Playing Surfaces

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1997-20 - Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of the Fiber Content of Peat and Organic Soils by Dry Mass
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2974-20 - Standard Test Methods for Determining the Water (Moisture) Content, Ash Content, and Organic Material of Peat and Other Organic Soils
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2974-20e1 - Standard Test Methods for Determining the Water (Moisture) Content, Ash Content, and Organic Material of Peat and Other Organic Soils
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM C25-19e1 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4972-19 - Standard Test Methods for pH of Soils
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM F2269-11(2018) - Standard Guide for Maintaining Warm Season Turfgrasses on Athletic Fields
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM F1815-11(2018) - Standard Test Methods for Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity, Water Retention, Porosity, and Bulk Density of Athletic Field Rootzones
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM F2060-00(2018) - Standard Guide for Maintaining Cool Season Turfgrasses on Athletic Fields
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM F1647-11(2018) - Standard Test Methods for Organic Matter Content of Athletic Field Rootzone Mixes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM F1632-03(2018) - Standard Test Method for Particle Size Analysis and Sand Shape Grading of Golf Course Putting Green and Sports Field Rootzone Mixes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM D4972-18 - Standard Test Methods for pH of Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D6528-17 - Standard Test Method for Consolidated Undrained Direct Simple Shear Testing of Fine Grain Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D4427-13(2017) - Standard Classification of Peat Samples by Laboratory Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2980-17 - Standard Test Method for Saturated Density, Moisture-Holding Capacity, and Porosity of Saturated Peat Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2980-17e1 - Standard Test Method for Saturated Density, Moisture-Holding Capacity, and Porosity of Saturated Peat Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017

Overview

ASTM F3339-20: Standard Guide for Construction or Renovation of Native-soil Athletic Fields offers comprehensive guidance for building and renovating athletic fields using native or natural (non-sand) soils. Developed by ASTM International, this guide addresses the selection, blending, and implementation of soil materials and amendments, with an emphasis on optimizing sports field performance and player safety. The guide is especially relevant for the construction and renovation of sports fields for activities such as soccer, football, baseball, and other field sports that benefit from vigorous natural turfgrass cover.

Key Topics

• Soil Selection and Amendment: Guidance on identifying and using suitable native or imported soils, preferably sandy loam or coarser, to form the rootzone. Soils with finer texture can be modified with sand to meet performance needs.
• Design Considerations: Emphasizes the importance of surface drainage, rootzone composition, and adapting turfgrass selection to local climate and field use intensity.
• Blending and Quality Control: Details procedures for rootzone blending, including testing and calibration to ensure homogeneity and conformance to physical and chemical property specifications.
• Surface Grading: Recommends laser-guided equipment for precise subgrade and finish grade installations, to promote even drainage and playability.
• Turf Installation: Covers best practices for seeding, sprigging, and sodding, including species selection and methods that protect field grade and turf integrity.
• Project Management and Teamwork: Highlights the need for collaboration among designers, agronomists, quality control agents, and contractors throughout the project lifecycle.

Applications

Practical uses of ASTM F3339-20 include:

• Sports Field Construction: For new projects where cost or site constraints make sand-based systems impractical, this standard offers solutions for effective soil-based field construction.
• Athletic Field Renovation: Guidance on soil modification and renovation processes to improve performance on existing fields using native or imported soils.
• Municipal, School, and Community Fields: Enables grounds managers and facilities personnel to implement construction and maintenance techniques suited to available resources and local conditions.
• Field Maintenance Planning: Assists in establishing appropriate maintenance regimes-including mowing, irrigation, fertilization, and aeration-to sustain turfgrass quality and field safety.
• Ensuring Player Safety and Field Performance: By promoting dense, uniform turfgrass cover and stable footing, the guide helps reduce athlete injuries and enhances playing conditions.

Related Standards

ASTM F3339-20 references and complements several other standards and guides related to soil testing, turf management, and sports field construction, including:

• ASTM F2060 – Guide for Maintaining Cool Season Turfgrasses on Athletic Fields
• ASTM F2269 – Guide for Maintaining Warm Season Turfgrasses on Athletic Fields
• ASTM D4972 – Test Methods for pH of Soils
• ASTM D1883 – Test Method for California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of Soils
• ASTM F1815 – Test Methods for Athletic Field Rootzones
• USGA Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction

Adherence to these related standards ensures a holistic approach to sports field construction, addressing everything from soil chemistry and structure to long-term maintenance.

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Keywords: ASTM F3339-20, native-soil athletic fields, sports field construction, turfgrass, soil amendment, surface grading, field renovation, athletic field safety, drainage, soil-based sports fields, turf management.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3339 − 20 An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
Construction or Renovation of Native-soil Athletic Fields
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3339; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope document means only that the document has been approved
through the ASTM consensus process.
1.1 This guide covers techniques that are appropriate for the
1.5 This standard may involve hazardous materials,
construction of athletic field rootzones using native-soil. This
operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
guide is also applicable to soils which are not native to the site
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its
but are natural (non-sand) imported soils. This guide provides
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
guidance for the selection of soil materials, amendments, and
establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental prac-
methods for use in constructing these types of athletic field
tices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations
rootzones. Soils having a texture of Sandy Loam or coarser
prior to use.
should be utilized for soil-based rootzone construction. Soils
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
which are finer textured than listed above may be employed for
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
rootzone construction but should be sand-modified to meet the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
performance criteria of this standard. If fields are constructed
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
with soils which are finer textured, they will not be capable of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
meeting the performance criteria in this standard. Despite
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
performancelimitations,fieldswhichareconstructedwithfiner
textured soils (due to logistics or budget constraints) may still
2. Referenced Documents
be able to conform to the slope/grade criteria (see 5.1, 5.4, and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Table 1). Sand modified rootzone constructions are not ad-
C25 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone,
dressed by this standard.
Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
1.2 Decisions in selecting construction and maintenance
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
techniques are influenced by existing soil types, climatic
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft (600
factors,levelofplay,intensityandfrequencyofuse,equipment
kN-m/m ))
available, budget and training, and the ability of management
D1883 Test Method for California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of
personnel.
Laboratory-Compacted Soils
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the D1997 Test Method for Laboratory Determination of the
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only. Fiber Content of Peat and Organic Soils by Dry Mass
D2944 Practice of Sampling Processed Peat Materials
1.4 This guide offers an organized collection of information
D2974 Test Methods for Determining the Water (Moisture)
oraseriesofoptionsanddoesnotrecommendaspecificcourse
Content, Ash Content, and Organic Material of Peat and
of action. This document cannot replace education or experi-
Other Organic Soils
ence and should be used in conjunction with professional
D2976 Test Method for pH of Peat Materials
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
D2980 Test Method for Saturated Density, Moisture-
circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
Holding Capacity, and Porosity of Saturated Peat Materi-
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
als
a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
D4373 Test Method for Rapid Determination of Carbonate
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
Content of Soils
unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this
D4427 Classification of Peat Samples by Laboratory Testing
D4972 Test Methods for pH of Soils
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Subcommittee F08.64 on Natural Playing Surfaces. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published July 2020. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
F3339-20. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3339 − 20
TABLE 1 Recommended Slope/Crown Grade Elevations
adapted to the local growing conditions and be capable of
Soil/site condition Grade/Crown (%) formingathick,dense,turfcoveratthedesiredmowingheight.
Loamy Sand, Sandy Loam or finer-textured 1.5 to 2.0 %
Soil-based fields provide varying levels of soil stability but
Sand texture 1.0 to 1.5 %
such conditions often deteriorate rapidly under high soil
Primary-play season, during the wet season 1.25 to 2.0 %
Potential for frozen or heavy-frost cap soil 1.75 to 2.0 %
moisture conditions. Therefore it is imperative that grasses
with superior wear tolerance and superior recuperative poten-
tialareutilizedtowithstandheavyfoottrafficandintenseshear
D6528 Test Method for Consolidated Undrained Direct
forces. The rootzone depth for athletic field constructions
Simple Shear Testing of Fine Grain Soils
should be a minimum depth of 8 in.
F1632 Test Method for Particle Size Analysis and Sand
4.4 Subgrade soils are typically site soils which are repur-
Shape Grading of Golf Course Putting Green and Sports
posed for this application. The use of stone, gravel, or
Field Rootzone Mixes
coarse-sand for subgrade construction is typically not neces-
F1647 Test Methods for Organic Matter Content of Athletic
saryandmaybedetrimentaltotheperformanceoftherootzone
Field Rootzone Mixes
by the potential to impeded internal drainage and reduce air
F1815 Test Methods for Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity,
space from the creation of perched water effects. If an
Water Retention, Porosity, and Bulk Density of Athletic
aggregate material is needed for stabilization purposes of a soft
Field Rootzones
subgradesoil,theuseofafinestonedustshouldbeconsidered.
F2060 Guide for Maintaining Cool Season Turfgrasses on
Athletic Fields
4.5 A successful soil-based rootzone system is dependent
F2269 Guide for Maintaining Warm Season Turfgrasses on
upon the proper selection of materials to use in the project.The
Athletic Fields
proper selection of soil materials or any amendments, or both,
subsurfacedrainageandsurfacedrainage/gradearetheprimary
3. Terminology
components which are vital concerns to the performance of the
3.1 Definitions:
system and this standard guide addresses these issues.
3.1.1 native soil, n—naturally occurring soil which is indig-
4.5.1 During construction, consideration should be given to
enous to a site.
factors such as the physical and chemical properties of mate-
4. Significance and Use
rials used in the area, freedom from stones and other debris,
and surface and internal drainage (and subsurface drainage in
4.1 A dense, uniform, smooth and vigorously growing
areas subject to high water tables).
natural turfgrass sports field provides the ideal and preferred
playing surface for most outdoor field sports. Such a surface is 4.5.2 Maintenance practices that influence the playability of
pleasing to the spectators and athletes. A thick, consistent and the surface include mowing, irrigation, fertilization, and me-
smoothgrasscoveralsoincreasesplayingqualityandsafetyby chanical aeration and are factors addressed in other standards.
providing stable footing for the athletes, cushioning their See Guides F2060 and F2269.
impact from falls, slides or tackles and cools the playing
4.6 Those responsible for the design, construction, or
surface during hot weather.
maintenance, or a combination thereof, of natural turf athletic
4.2 Sand is commonly used to construct high performance
fields for multi-use and recreational purposes will benefit from
athletic field rootzone systems. Sand is chosen as the primary
this guide.
construction material for two basic properties; compaction
4.7 A successful project development depends upon proper
resistance and improved drainage/aeration state. Although
planning and upon the selection and cooperation among design
sand-based fields generally provide for a higher level of
and construction team members. An athletic field rootzone
performance,thecostsassociatedwithconstructing/developing
project design team should include a Project Designer, an
a proper, high-performance sand-based field often precludes its
use for many athletic field construction projects. In these Agronomist or Soil Scientist, or both, and an Owner’s Design
Representative. Additions to the team during the construction
instances soil-based fields constructed with either native or
imported soils; either topsoil or subsoil material modified to phase should include an Owner’s Project Manager (often an
mimic the properties of a natural topsoil (a manufactured expansion of role for the Owner’s Design Representative), an
topsoil). These soils are sometimes modified with amendments Owner’s Quality Control Agent (often the personnel that is
to improve their performance properties either at the time of employed in advance with the intent of becoming the finished
original construction or during a subsequent renovation. Al-
project’s Sports Turf Manager), an Owner’s Testing Agent
though not approaching the same performance properties of a (often an expansion of roles for the Project’s Agronomist/Soil
proper sand-based field construction; the implementation of
Scientist) and the Contractor.
proper design, construction, and athletic field maintenance can
4.7.1 Planning for projects must be conducted well in
produce soil-based athletic field rootzones with acceptable
advance of the intended construction date. Often this requires
performance characteristics.
numerous meetings to create a calendar of events, schedule,
4.3 Properties of both the soil and grass plants must be approvals, assessments, performance criteria, material
sourcing, agronomic test reports, soil surveys, geotechnical
considered in planning, constructing, and maintaining a high
quality athletic field installation. Turfgrass utilized must be reports, and construction budgets.
F3339 − 20
TABLE 3 Recommended Chemical Properties of the Athletic Field
5. Critical Factors
Rootzone
5.1 Surface Drainage—To maintain adequate surface
Chemical Property Specified Range
drainage, all native soil field installations should include a pH (Test Methods D4972) 5.0 to 7.5
Calcium Carbonate Equivalent, preferred < 5 %
minimum of 1.0 % slope gradient (simple slope or crown) to
Calcium Carbonate Equivalent, marginal 5 to 15 %
remove water off of the playing field in case of a storm event
Organic Matter (Test Methods F1647), pre- 2to4%
ferred
with severe rainfall intensity and to facilitate the use of tarps.
Organic Matter (Test Methods F1647), ac- 1to6%
Surface drainage is required because most soil-based athletic
ceptable
fields do not have the inherent properties to allow internal
Nutrient Content Adjust for local conditions
Heavy metals or other phytotoxic ions Adjust for local conditions, do not
drainage of excess water from heavy rainfall events. The
exceed regulated thresholds
surface grade should be adjusted to reflect the site/use factors
as given in Table 1. However, it should be recognized that
while increasing the slope gradient increases the surface
drainage capacity, it also decreases the potential for rainfall or
should have a natural (unadulterated) pH between 4.5 and 7.0,
irrigation to infiltrate into the rootzone along the apex of the
an ash content of <40 %, and a Solvita stability index of > 6.
slope. Therefore, excessive slope could result in conditions
where the apex area of the field may be found to be dry while
NOTE 1—Sand-Amendment—The utilization of soil textures which are
finer than Sandy Loam (< ~50 % sand) are not within the scope of this
at the same time the lower areas of the field are moist or wet.
standard. However, if utilizing soils which are finer textured than Sandy
For irrigated fields, the irrigation design and installation should
Loam, the utilization of a sand amendment should be employed. Improve-
be parallel to the slope to allow differential irrigation rates. It
ments to soil physical properties due to sand amendment will vary
is recommended that surface drainage inlets be installed in the
depending upon the amending sand properties (particle size distribution)
perimeter of the installation (in the out of play areas) and tied and the volume inclusion of the amendment. Finer sands provide less
benefit as an amending sand than do medium/coarse sands. Likewise,
into the storm drainage collection system for removal.
amendingsandshouldbesomewhatuniforminsizedistributiontoprovide
for improved performance properties.
5.2 Additions of peat or compost, or both, may also be
included in small proportions as part of the rootzone blend if
5.2.1.3 Porous Inorganic and Other Amendments—Porous
the inclusion of these materials will not bring the resulting
inorganic amendments such as vitrified or calcined diatomites
blend out of specifications and if they are uniformly blended and clay, or zeolites are sometimes used in place of or in
together to form a homogeneous blend.
addition to peat, soil, or other organics in a rootzone mixture.
However, the particle size of the amendment and the perfor-
5.2.1 Rootzone Components—In addition to the use of an
mance characteristics of the rootzone mixture must meet the
amending sand, there are two other types of organic amend-
recommendations in Table 2 and Table 3. It should be noted
ments which are commonly included in a soil blend; which
that these amendments have considerable differences among
includes peat or compost, or both.
products and within the same product class. Also, many of
5.2.1.1 Soil—A native-type or manufactured topsoil which
these products also have closed internal porosity (pores which
forms the basis of the rootzone blend should typically be sandy
may not be open to the surface of particle) which imparts an
loam or sandier in texture. Finer-textured soils may be modi-
effectively low particle density. As such, the internal air-filled
fied by sand inclusion to bring the resulting soil blend to a
porosity values may influence the air-filled porosity test value
coarser soil texture. Soil textures of Loam (< ~50% sand
and indicate a level of porosity which is not available for
content) and finer textured are generally not well suited for
soil-gas exchange.
native-soil athletic field construction but are still often utilized.
5.2.1.4 Other amendments which are sometimes utilized as
The recommended performance requirements of a soil or
rootzone amendments include such materials as humates,
blended-soil rootzone are outlined in Table 2 and Table 3.
biochar, seaweed products, vermiculture byproducts and simi-
5.2.1.2 Organic Amendment—Compost or peat is com-
lar. While these products may potentially add value, they are
monly used as organic amending source in athletic field
not a replacement for well-proven rootzone amendments. It is
rootzones. Organic components also adds water and nutrient
important that if these products are considered for inclusion in
retention capacity. Mucks or mucky soils should not be used
a rootzone blend, that lab testing is conducted which include
under any circumstances. Any organic amendment utilized
these products at anticipated inclusion rate/s.
5.2.2 Quality Control (QC) Program—Every athletic field
rootzone should be constructed using a well-designed and
administered calibration and QC program. Such program
TABLE 2 Recommended Physical Properties of the Athletic Field
should set the parameters to be included in the QC testing, the
Rootzone (Test Methods F1815)
procedures for sampling, sampling intervals, handling the
Physical Property Specified Range
samples (chain of custody), the limits/tolerances or confidence
Total Porosity 35 – 50 %
intervals for accept/reject status within a sample, and the
–3
Bulk Density (kg · m ) 1.2–1.5
allowable variability of test parameters between samples.
Air-filled Porosity $ 15 %
Capillary Porosity $ 15 %
Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (cm/hr) $ 2.0
(Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity [inches/hr]) ($ 0.75)
Seekins, W.D., Field test for compost maturity, Biocycle, 37, 1996, pp. 72-75.
F3339 − 20
5.2.3 Soil—Thesoilcomponentshouldhavebeentestedand dressing) operations and for other repairs.The blending should
approved and then prepared for blending by first shredding, be initiated with the preparation of a ‘batch’ for calibration
screening, and the removal of any objectionable stones (stones purposes. A calibration batch stockpile is normally composed
being rock fragments > 1 in.) or other items.The soil should be of a 100 ton minimum. The calibration batch should be
screened at 1 in. or less with no stones above 2 in. allowed and sampled and tested to assure the blending equipment is
no more than 2 % total stone (>7.6 mm). Sharp objects such as properly calibrated before proceeding further. Each test for
glass, wire, hardware and other foreign objects should not be calibration may delay the blending operation 24 to 48 h
allowed. Once the soil has been prepared in this manner, the awaiting test results and recommendations from the testing
soil should be transported to the blending site for stockpiling. laboratory. Another testing option would be to employ a
During the processing and transportation of the soil commercial testing agent with the capacity to perform on-site
compo
...