Physical properties of golf and sports turf root-zones as affected by amendments, construction

129 Pages·2017·2.33 MB·English

by  Deying Li

Iowa State University Capstones, Theses and
Retrospective Theses and Dissertations
Dissertations
2001
Physical properties of golf and sports turf root-
zones as affected by amendments, construction
methods, and management practices
Deying Li
Iowa State University
Follow this and additional works at:https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd
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Recommended Citation
Li, Deying, "Physical properties of golf and sports turf root-zones as affected by amendments, construction methods, and management
practices " (2001).Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 1057.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd/1057
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Physical properties of golf and sports turf root-zones as affected by
amendments, construction methods, and management practices
by
Deying Li
A dissertation submitted to the graduate faculty
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Major: Horticulture
Major Professors: Nick E. Christians and Dave D. Minner
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
2001
UMI Number: 3016722
Copyright 2001 by
Li, Deying
All rights reserved.
UMI
UMI Microform 3016722
Copyright 2001 by Bell & Howell Information and Learning Company.
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11
Graduate College
Iowa State University
This is to certify that the Doctoral dissertation of
Deying Li
has met the dissertation requirements of Iowa State University
Signature was redacted for privacy.
major Profe or
Signature was redacted for privacy.
Co-major Pr fessor
Signature was redacted for privacy.
For the Major Program
Signature was redacted for privacy.
iii
To my parents who have to fulfill the dream of higher education through their children.
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT vi
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION I
Introduction 1
Dissertation Organization 3
Literature Review 4
References 19
CHAPTER 2. INORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENT EFFECTS ON SAND-BASED
SPORTS TURF MEDIA 31
Abstract 31
Materials and Methods 33
Results and Discussion 37
Conclusion 40
References 45
CHAPTER 3. FREEZING AND THAWING EFFECTS ON SAND-BASED MEDIA.
MODIFIED WITH SOIL AMENDMENTS 47
Abstract 47
Introduction 48
Materials and Methods 50
Results 51
Discussion 57
References 59
CHAPTER 4. RESPONSE OF CREEPING BENTGRASS TO INORGANIC SOIL
AMENDMENTS TOPDRESSED ON A SLOPED GREEN 62
Abstract 62
Introduction 63
Materials and Methods 65
Results 68
Discussion 80
References 83
CHAPTER 5. QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF SAND SHAPE AND
ROUNDNESS AND THEIR POTENTIAL EFFECT ON STABILITY OF SAND-BA.SED
ATHLETIC FIELDS 85
Abstract 85
Materials and Methods 90
Results and Discussion 99
Conclusions 110
References Ill
CHAPTER 6. GENERAL CONCLUSIONS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
vi
ABSTRACT
Inorganic soil amendments have been suggested for use in turf to alleviate soil
compaction, increase water retention and hydraulic conductivity, and improve many other
soil physical properties. Many types of soil amendments have been used under various
climate conditions and for different purposes, and the results are mixed. There is a need for
systematic investigation of the physical properties of root-zones affected by soil amendments
and construction methods. The stability of sand or soil amendments has been a concern
when the media is subjected to weathering. The chemical and physical effects and seasonal
freezing/thawing involved in the weathering process have significant impact on the physical
properties after construction. This information is needed in the design process to improve
performance characteristics of soil media.
Unlike golf course greens, sports turf fields require a more stable playing surface to
facilitate play and avoid player injuries. Many athletic fields have adapted a sand-based root
zone system to avoid compaction and poor drainage. However, sand-based systems may be
unstable. Research on the roles of inherent properties of sand in playing surface stability has
been limited to evaluations of particle-size distribution. Although sand shape and roundness
are considered to be an important component of surface stability, their roles relative to other
factors still are not clearly understood because of the technical difficulties involved in
quantitatively assessing these characteristics.
The overall objective of my research is to gain a better understanding of the physical
properties, such as water conductivity, water holding capacity, and porosity of sand-based
media affected by soil amendments, either as root-zone mixtures or as topdressing materials.