Shade Effects on Overseeded Bermudagrass Athletic Fields.

It is well-documented that shade from athletic stadium structures can be a significant deterrent to turfgrass performance. In addition, the wide-spread use of artificial lighting on athletic fields has created a need for more specific recommendations for the minimum amount of light needed to enhance performance in shaded environments. The overall objective of this study was to determine the daily light requirements of an overseeded or non-overseeded bermudagrass turf maintained to simulate an athletic field. An experiment was established in 2013 at the University of Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Fayetteville, AR. The trial was established on a mature bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. cv. Riviera] turf that was either overseeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) or non-overseeded. Shade structures were installed over the plots to create four light level treatments including a full-sun control (0% shade), 30% shade, 60% shade, and 90% shade. Sensors to collect photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) were mounted under each of the shade cloth treatments such that PAR light could be continuously measured during the trial. A range of performance data was collected on the trial, including turfgrass quality, turfgrass coverage, rooting, and traction measurements.