ASTM_F_2060_-_00_2011.pdf

Designation:F206000(Reapproved 2011)An American National StandardStandard Guide forMaintaining Cool Season Turfgrasses on Athletic Fields1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2060;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This guide covers the minimum requirements for main-taining cool season turfgrasses used for natural surface athleticfields.Practices covered include mowing,fertilization,irrigation,core cultivation,overseeding,and pest management.1.2 The decisions involved in maintaining a quality naturalplaying surface should consider soil types,local climate andother factors;therefore,it is recommended that you contactyour local cooperative extension service for more specificinformation on soils,and grass species and cultivars adapted toyour area.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Terminology2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:2.1.1 athletic field,na field constructed and utilized forconduct of various organized sporting events.2.1.2 cool season turfgrasses,ngrass species widelyadapted to cool temperate climates.Some species persist andare used in warm humid to warm subhumid climates;referredto as the transition zone.Cool season species commonly usedfor natural playing surfaces include Kentucky bluegrass,pe-rennial ryegrass,tall fescue,fine leaf fescues,creepingbentgrass,and colonial bentgrass.Creeping and colonial bent-grasses are normally used only on croquet and lawn bowlingcourts.2.1.3 thatch,nan accumulation of undecomposed organicmatter that can form at the soil surface in a turf.3.Significance and Use3.1 A dense,uniform stand of turfgrass on a playing surfaceimproves the playing quality and safety of the field byproviding firm footing for the athletes and by cushioning theirimpact from falls or tackles.These standards are the minimuminputs required to provide such a surface.Various publishedguides have been used in the development of this guide(1-5).23.2 Field conditions may directly influence the frequencyand type of athletic injuries occurring as a result of using thefields.While these standards do not guarantee that such injurieswill be prevented,a well-maintained turf on a natural playingsurface should minimize field-related injuries.4.Apparatus4.1 GeneralExperience and good judgment are importantto match the proper type of equipment to the nature of the taskto be performed.4.1.1 Mowing EquipmentMower types include reel,rotary,and flail;although,the latter type is not recommendedfor fine playing surfaces.A reel mower should be used forplaying surfaces requiring mowing at less than 1.5 in.(3.8 cm).Mower blades should always be kept sharp and properlyadjusted in accordance to manufacturers recommendations.Mowing equipment should be operated in a speed rangeconsistent with the manufacturers recommendation.4.1.2 SpreadersSpreaders are necessary if dry fertilizer orpest control materials are to be applied.Spreader types mayinclude drop,rotary(centrifugal,spinner),or oscillating.Spreaders should be calibrated to deliver the desired,labeled,or recommended rate of fertilizer or pest control product beingapplied.4.1.3 SprayersSprayers are necessary if liquid fertilizersor pest control materials are to be applied.Low pressuresystems are recommended.Sprayers should be calibrated todeliver the desired,labeled,or recommended rate of fertilizeror pest control product being applied.4.1.4 Core CultivatorsCore cultivation(aerification,cor-ing)equipment relieves soil surface compaction.Core cultiva-tors should be of the type that physically removes soil,such asa hollow tine or spoon.Cultivators with12to34in.(13 to 19mm)tines on 4 to 6 in.(100 to 150 mm)spacings should beused on all playing surfaces.Spikers,slicers,or similar types ofequipment are not suitable for relieving surface compaction.1This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on SportsEquipment and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F08.64 onNatural Playing Surfaces.Current edition approved June 1,2011.Published July 2011.Originally approvedin 2000.Last previous edition approved in 2005 as F2060 00(2005).DOI:10.1520/F2060-00R11.2The boldface numbers in parentheses refers to the list of references at the endof this standard.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 4.1.5 SeedersSlit seeders should be used for any over-seeding or renovation operations.Slit seeders cut a groove intothe soil and deposit the seed in t