ASTM F2269-03
(Guide)Standard Guide for Maintaining Warm Season Turfgrasses on Athletic Fields
Standard Guide for Maintaining Warm Season Turfgrasses on Athletic Fields
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
A dense, uniform stand of turfgrass on a playing surface improves the playing quality and safety of the field by providing firm footing for the athletes and by cushioning their impact from falls, tackles or slides. These standards are the minimum inputs required to provide such a surface. Various published guides have been used in the development of this standard (1-8).3
Field conditions may directly influence the frequency and type of athletic injuries occurring as a result of using the fields. While these standards do not guarantee that such injuries will be prevented, a well maintained turf on a natural playing surface should minimize field-related injuries.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the minimum requirements for maintaining warm-season turfgrasses used for natural surface athletic fields. Practices covered include mowing, fertilization, irrigation, core cultivation, winter overseeding, pest management, and requirements for management of dormant turf winter overseeded with cool-season turf (see also Guide F 2060).
1.2 The decisions involved in maintaining a quality natural playing surface should consider soil types, local climate and other factors. Therefore, it is recommended that you contact your local cooperative extension service for more specific information on soils, and grass species and cultivars adapted to your area.
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 standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
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An American National Standard
Designation:F2269–03
Standard Guide for
Maintaining Warm Season Turfgrasses on Athletic Fields
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2269; 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 3.1.3.1 Discussion—Excessive thatch is not normally a
problem found on heavily used athletic fields that are properly
1.1 This guide covers the minimum requirements for main-
maintained. It excessive thatch does occur, it may be removed
taining warm-season turfgrasses used for natural surface ath-
or controlled by the practice of vermicutting.
letic fields. Practices covered include mowing, fertilization,
3.1.4 warm-season turfgrasses—grass species widely
irrigation, core cultivation, winter overseeding, pest manage-
adapted to warm temperate climates. Some species persist and
ment,andrequirementsformanagementofdormantturfwinter
are used in cool humid to cool sub-humid climates; referred to
overseeded with cool-season turf (see also Guide F2060).
as a transition zone. Warm-season species commonly used for
1.2 The decisions involved in maintaining a quality natural
natural playing surfaces include hybrid bermudagrass, com-
playing surface should consider soil types, local climate and
mon bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, zoysiagrass, and ki-
other factors. Therefore, it is recommended that you contact
kuyagrass, and these turfs may be overseeded with a cool-
your local cooperative extension service for more specific
season turf such as annual or perennial ryegrass in the winter
information on soils, and grass species and cultivars adapted to
months. Note that the use of kikuyagrass as a turf on athletic
your area.
fields is not generally recommended. Kikuyagrass is included
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
in this standard because despite its shortcomings as an athletic
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
turfgrass, many athletic field managers are managing kikuy-
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, opera-
agrass athletic fields as it is an invasive, volunteer species. In
tions, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
some countries kikuyagrass is considered a noxious weed and
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its
its intentional use or planting may be banned.
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
establish appropriate safety and health practices and deter-
4. Significance and Use
mine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
4.1 Adense, uniform stand of turfgrass on a playing surface
2. Referenced Documents improves the playing quality and safety of the field by
2 providing firm footing for the athletes and by cushioning their
2.1 ASTM Standards:
impact from falls, tackles or slides. These standards are the
F2060 Guide for Maintaining Cool Season Turfgrasses on
minimum inputs required to provide such a surface. Various
Athletic Fields
published guides have been used in the development of this
3. Terminology standard (1-8).
4.2 Field conditions may directly influence the frequency
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
and type of athletic injuries occurring as a result of using the
3.1.1 athletic field—a field constructed and utilized for
fields.Whilethesestandardsdonotguaranteethatsuchinjuries
conduct of various organized sporting events.
will be prevented, a well maintained turf on a natural playing
3.1.2 overseeding—the practice of seeding a turfgrass into a
surface should minimize field-related injuries.
turf area that has an established turfgrass.
3.1.3 thatch—an accumulation of undecomposed organic
5. Apparatus
matter that can form at the soil surface in a turf.
5.1 General—Experience and good judgment are important
to match the proper type of equipment to the nature of the task
to be performed.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
5.1.1 Mowing Equipment—Mower types include reel, ro-
EquipmentandFacilitiesandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeF08.64on
tary, and flail; although the latter type is not recommended for
Natural Playing Surfaces.
fine playing surfaces.Areel mower should be used for playing
Current edition approved June 10, 2003. Published June 2003. DOI: 10.1520/
F2269-03.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
the ASTM website. this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F2269–03
surfaces requiring mowing at less than 2.5 cm (1.0 in.). Mower
Sports Field Use Grass Species Mowing Height
blades should always be kept sharp and properly adjusted in
Baseball/Cricket Infields, hybrid bermudagrass, 6.4to19mm
accordance to manufacturer’s recommendations. Mowing
Field Hockey Fields zoysiagrass, or (0.25 to 0.75 in.)
seashore paspalum
equipment should be operated in a speed range (ground and
engine speed) consistent with the manufacturer’s recommen-
Baseball/Cricket/Softball hybrid bermudagrass, 19 to 38 mm
dation. Outfields; Soccer, Football, zoysiagrass, or (0.75 to 1.5 in.)
Lacrosse, Polo, and seashore paspalum;
5.1.2 Spreaders—Spreaders are necessary if dry fertilizer or
Rugby Fields; Intramural
pest control materials are to be applied. Spreader types may and Multiple-use Fields
common bermudagrass, 38 to 64 mm
kikuyagrass; (1.5 to 2.5 in.)
include drop, rotary (centrifugal, spinner), or oscillating.
Spreaders should be calibrated to deliver the desired, labeled,
bahiagrass 64 to 102 mm
(2.5 to 4 in.)
or recommended rate of fertilizer or pest control product being
applied.
NOTE 1—Adjustments in mowing height should be made to accommo-
5.1.3 Sprayers—Sprayers are necessary if liquid fertilizers date the sport using the field. Mowing heights should be increased by
25 % when the fields are not being used, or when the mowing height does
or pest control materials are to be applied. Low pressure
not influence the game. A modest increase in mowing height adds
systems are recommended. Sprayers should be calibrated to
photosynthetic leaf area to the turf canopy and may increase turf health
deliver the desired, labeled, or recommended rate of fertilizer
and assist recovery rates of worn fields.
or pest control product being applied.
6.3 Mowing Frequency—Fields should be mowed as often
5.1.4 Core Cultivators—Core cultivation (aerification, cor-
as necessary. No more than ⁄3 of the leaf surface should be cut
ing) equipment relieves soil surface compaction. Core cultiva-
off at any one mowing. Under normal growing conditions, this
tors should be of the type that physically removes soil, such as
usually means every 5 to 7 days for fields maintained at 3.8 cm
1 3
a hollow tine or spoon. Cultivators with 1.3 to 1.9 cm ( ⁄2 to ⁄4
(1.5 in.) or higher, and two or three times a week for baseball
in.)tinesonspacingnotmorethan15cm(6in.)shouldbeused
infields and other closely mowed fields.
on all playing surfaces. Spikers, slicers, or similar types of
6.4 Clipping Removal—Fields maintained at a mowing
equipment are not as effective for relieving surface compac-
height of 2.5 cm (1 in.) or higher do not require that the
tion. In addition to soil compaction found immediately at
clippings be removed at mowing if mowed at the proper
surface, the mechanical aeration practices may be performed
frequency interval. Only remove clippings if the grass is
such that the aeration tines penetrate to a depth sufficient to
allowed to grow excessively high so that clippings would
disrupt compacted layers. The effectiveness of such practices
accumulate on the playing field surface. Playing surfaces
will depend upon equipment capabilities and adjustment.
maintained at one inch or shorter should have the clippings
5.1.5 Seeders—Broadcast or slit seeders should be used for
removed with each mowing.
any overseeding or renovation operations. Slit seeders cut a
6.5 Mowing Pattern—Mowing direction should be varied
groove into the soil and deposit the seed in the groove at a
witheachsuccessivemowing.Stripingoffieldsduetomowing
predetermined depth. To achieve the same results, broadcast
direction can be accomplished with one or two mowings prior
seederswillrequireahigherrateofseedapplicationduetoless
to an event.
effective seed-to-soil contact. Additionally, a broadcast seeded
NOTE 2—Seashore paspalum is the only warm-season turf that will
field will generally require more irrigation to effectively
produce a significant striping effect. Overseeded cool-season turfs may
germinate seed compared to slit seeded fields. Seeding of bare
also produce a striping effect.
soils can be accomplished by broadcast seeders, drop seeders,
or slit seeders but each method will require a mulch for 7. Fertilization
effective germination. Hydroseeding methods can be used
7.1 Fertilization (General)—Fertilization is essential for
effectively to apply seed and mulch in a hydroslurry to a bare
maintaining dense, vigorously growing natural turfgrass fields.
soilsurfacebutisnoteffectiveasawinteroverseedingpractice
Fertilizer rate, timing, source, and ratio will influence a natural
on existing turf.
turf’s density, color, uniformity, and recuperative ability, as
wellasitsabilitytotoleratewear,biologicalandenvironmental
5.1.6 Irrigation System or Equipment—Ideally some source
of water should be available for irrigation. Systems can range stresses.
from portable or permanently installed types. 7.2 Soil Testing—Soil testing should be performed on es-
tablished fields every three to four years. More frequent testing
5.1.7 Soil Sampling Tube—Used to sample soils for testing
(once or more per year) may be required on sand-based fields
purposes.
or those having nutritional imbalances. Soil testing will iden-
tifynutrientdeficienciesthatmaybecorrectedbysupplemental
6. Mowing
fertilizer applications or by fertilizer selection. Soil testing will
6.1 Mowing (General)—The periodic removal of excess
also identify changes needed in soil reaction (pH).
shoot growth is necessary on natural surface playing fields.
7.2.1 Sampling—A representative sample should be taken
6.2 Mowing Height—The mowing height of a natural sur-
from each field. Using a soil sampling tube, pull out about 50
face athletic field will vary with the sport, turfgrass species, random samples per acre of turf, and combine them to obtain
andtimeoftheyear.Adjustmowingheightsaccordingly, using
a representative sample. Samples should be taken from the soil
the chart below: surface to a depth of 51 to 102 mm (2 to 4 in.).
F2269–03
7.2.2 Remove the thatch and any stones or debris. 7.4.2 Starter fertilizers (see 7.6.1) applied at the time of
overseeding should be applied at a rate necessary to deliver 25
7.2.3 Thoroughly mix the cores and pull a one pint 0.5 L(1
kg actual N per hectare (about ⁄2 lb of actual nitrogen per 1000
pt) sample from the composite to submit to the testing lab.
ft ).
7.2.4 Provide as much information to the lab as possible,
7.5 Fertilization Timing—The dates of a fertilizer applica-
including the use of the area, grass species, past fertilization
tion should be adjusted to suit schedules and environmental
history, irrigation or not, clipping removal or not, age of the
conditions.Nitrogenisthemainplantnutrientaffectingtiming.
field, and other information the lab may request.
In general, apply moderate amounts of fertilizer when warm-
7.2.5 Submit the samples to a state or commercial soil
season grasses are coming out of dormancy in late winter and
testing lab. Maintain records of samples submitted, to include
early spring. Applications in mid-spring through mid summer
sampling date, soil testing lab, and results.
will enhance growth, density, and green color; this corresponds
7.3 Soil Reaction (pH)—Ideally, soil pH should be main-
with the season of maximum growth potential. Moderate rates
tained in a range of 6.0 to 7.0, although acceptable turf can be of fertilizer should be applied in late summer to mid-fall; this
maintained outside this range with careful management of being the period when grasses are hardening off prior to winter
plant nutrients. dormancy. If areas are overseeded with cool-season grasses,
fertilize with a starter fertilizer at the time of overseeding and
7.3.1 Lime should be applied as per soil test recommenda-
then periodically fertilize to favor the cool-season grass
tions to increase soil pH. Lime materials may include pulver-
growth. Bahiagrass should only be fertilized once or twice per
ized or granular limestone, pelletized limestone, and hydrated
year (in the fall or spring and fall) with a 4-1-2 (N, P O ,K O)
2 5 2
lime. Use dolomitic liming materials if there is a need for
ratio fertilizer at a rate of 50 kg actual N per hectare (about 1
additional magnesium in the soil. Apply lime in spring and/or
lb of actual nitrogen per 1000 ft ) in the spring and the fall.
fall until the desired pH is attained.
Light applications of nitrogen at 25 kg N per hectare (about ⁄2
7.3.2 Apply no more than 4900 kg per hectare of limestone
lbofnitrogenper1000ft )maybeappliedtobahiagrassduring
(100 lbs/1000 ft ) application.Apply no more than 3675 kg per
the summer if adequate rainfall is anticipated.
hectare of hydrated lime (75 lbs/1000 ft ) per application.
7.5.1 Fertilizershouldnotbeappliedtodormantturf(unless
7.3.3 Elemental sulfur or ammonium based fertilizers can
overseeded) or turf that is under environmental stress (heat or
beusedtodecreasesoilpH.Applyelementalsulfurataratenot
dryness) during the growing season.
to exceed 245 kg per hectare (5 lbs/1000 ft ) in the spring and
7.6 Fertilizer Ratio—The ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus to
fall until the desired soil pH is reached.
potassium should be based on a soil test. In lieu of a soil test
report,useafertilizerwitha4-1-2orsimilarratio.Forseashore
7.4 Fertilizer Rate and Nitrogen Sources—Warm-season
paspalum, use a fertilizer that contains nitrogen and potassium
playing surfaces (except Seashore paspalum) should receive
in equal proportions (1:1, N to K O) or with a higher ratio of
fertilizer at a rate to deliver no less than 25 kg N per hectare 2
K O than N.
(about ⁄2lbofactualnitrogenper1000ft )pergrowingmonth.
1 1
7.6.1 Fertilizers applied at
...
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