Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
nitrogen per 100 m
2
. Every few months fertilization should be supple-
mented with other essential nutrients.
Mowing height should be maintained around 20 mm, and under the
one-third rule, frequency of mowing in most tropical locations ranges
from 2 to 3 times a week. Clippings should be removed only immediately
before a game.
Cynodon grown under high fertilization has higher irrigation
needs than typical turfs. The size, durability and placement of sprinkler
heads must take into account specific conditions of the game. Sprinkler
heads should be as small as possible, placed exactly at ground level and
made from a material that will not be destroyed by athletes wearing
shoes with cleats. The irrigation system must be designed to provide
even distribution of water, but sprinklers should not be placed in high-
traffic areas. Like the drainage system, the irrigation system should be
designed by a professional.
At times when games are not scheduled, soil compaction can be
alleviated by spiking to the depth of 15 cm or by regular 10-cm-deep
coring. Following core aerification, light top-dressing should be per-
formed. Like rugby fields, football and hockey fields may need dethatch-
ing once or twice a year.
Post-emergence herbicides such as MSMA mixed with 2,4D should
be used on cynodon infested with grassy or broad-leaved weeds. Herbi-
cide treatments should be made during periods when games are not
scheduled and also when no other environmental stresses are expected.
Bowling-greens and Croquet Courts
Lawn bowling and grass croquet are played in many tropical locations,
especially in the Commonwealth countries and others where British
cultural influence is still significant (Fig. 10.7). The two sports use balls
of similar size, both of which must roll smoothly across the turf surface.
Both types of surface must be flat and relatively hard, so they are con-
structed and maintained in similar fashion. Compared to sports in which
players run, rip turf with cleats or heavily crush turf-grass leaves,
bowling-greens and croquet-grounds receive relatively little mechanical
stress. Rather, the prevailing stresses are physiological in nature and are
associated with very low mowing height and frequent water stress. A
hard and dry turf surface mowed extremely low is needed for smooth
and fast roll of the ball. Such turf is also frequently subjected to deliberate
compaction with heavy rollers.
A lawn-bowling green is square, approximately 40
40 m. A six-
wicket croquet-ground is 25
32 m, and a nine-wicket croquet-ground is
15
30 m. Both must be flat and well drained. Most are constructed from
