Evaluation of Producing Sand-Based Sod On a Fine-Textured Native Soil Using Transported Sand.

Turfgrass establishment on sand-based rootzones is routinely accomplished by using sod produced on a fine-textured native soil. As a result, soil layering occurs causing reduction in water infiltration, rooting, aeration, and overall turfgrass quality. This research was aimed at determining the feasibility of applying sand over an existing native soil sod production field immediately after harvest to produce hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers. x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy) sand-based sod. The study was initiated in the fall of 2011 and spring of 2012 at the R. R. Foil Plant Science Research Center (North Farm) at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi and Sansing Sod Farm located in Maben, Mississippi, respectively. A randomized complete block design was used with four replications of the following treatments; (1) control- no sand, (2) topdress with sand- 3mm every other week, (3) core-aerify (one time) and topdress with sand- 3mm every other week, (4) 25.4 mm of sand- applied at one time, and (5) 50.8 mm of sand- applied at one time. Plot size was 3m x 6m. Treatments were harvested and transplanted to a sand-based rootzone. Results indicate core-aerify and topdress treatments showed higher quality pre-harvest. Control and 25.4 mm treatments were best in terms of harvesting, handle-ability, and sod tensile strength. Infiltration rates will be analyzed spring 2013. These outcomes along with further analysis could provide sod producers with a valuable product for use on sand-based rootzones.