Evaluation of Turf Covers with and without Late Season Crumb Rubber Topdressing for Extending Bermudagrass Athletic Field Growing Conditions.

Introduction: Crumb rubber is an amendment used on athletic fields to reduce compaction and increase wear tolerance in highly trafficked areas. Growth covers are used on athletic fields to prevent winter injury and extend the period before fall dormancy. Application of growth covers are applied at night and can be removed during the day depending on temperature. Research was conducted in 2011 at the University of Tennessee Center for Athletic Field Safety (Knoxville, TN) to evaluate the effects of crumb rubber topdressing and growth covers on 'Riviera' common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) fall color retention and traffic tolerance. A randomized complete block design was used having four treatments replicated four times. No significant difference was found in temperature among the treated plots. Statistical differences were observed within percent cover ratings in plots containing cover only along with rubber and covers when compared to the control and rubber only plots.