Continuous use of high school athletic fields from sporting events, practices, and other activities often causes major loss of turfgrass cover. Field renovations often occur during the summer months as this is typically the only time period that fields are not in use. Selecting appropriate turfgrass species and establishment techniques are critical to maximize traffic tolerance. High rates of nitrogen have been found to decrease structural cell wall components in turfgrass, thus potentially reducing traffic tolerance. However, research has also shown that turfgrass species respond differently to high nitrogen rates. Additionally, increasing seeding rates has been found to increase traffic tolerance when traffic is applied shortly after seeding. Applying these establishment techniques to cultivars of turf-type tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix) may offer field managers a more heat tolerant alternative to the current practice of overseeding with perennial ryegrass. In 2010, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of multiple seeding rates, nitrogen rates, and cultivar selection on the traffic tolerance of turf-type tall fescue. Traffic was applied using a Brinkman Traffic Simulator. Visual ratings were used to assess the percentage of turfgrass cover remaining at the end of a 14-week traffic period. When given 10 weeks to establish, traffic tolerance was affected by the seed and nitrogen rate combination. At the low seeding rate, the high nitrogen rate resulted in the most traffic tolerant plots. However, at the high seeding rate, the low nitrogen rate resulted in the most traffic tolerant plots. See more from this Division: C05 Turfgrass Science
See more from this Session: Student Oral Competition: Establishment and Thatch, Soil, & Water Management of Turfgrass