Differences in Soil Chemical Properties Under Multi-layer System, USGA System and Mono-layer System for a Sports Turf

스포츠용 잔디의 다단구조, USGA구조 및 단층구조 지반에서 토양 화학성 차이

This study was initiated to investigate soil chemical properties under different soil systems. Data such as soil acidity(pH), electrical conductivity(EC), organic matter content(OMC), and cation exchange capacity(CEC) were analyzed with samples from multi-layer, USGA, and mono-layer systems. N, P, K and micronutrients were also measured. Multi-layer system was built up to 60-cm depth with rootzone layer, intermediate layer and two drainage layers. USGA system 45 centimeters deep was constructed with rootzone layer, intermediate layer and drainage layer. Mono-layer system, however, was made only with a 30-cm rootzone layer. Differences were observed in soil pH, EC, OMC, CEC and micronutrients. Soil pH was acceptable for turfgrass growth a year after establishment, being 5.5 to 6.5 in the study. Differences were greatly observed for EC among soil systems. Values of EC for multi-layer, USGA, and mono-layer systems were 39.79, 31.26 and 103.54 uS/em, respectively. The increase rate was approximately 4 to 8 times greater with mono-layer system than those with other two systems. Therefore, it was necessary to avoid micronutrient deficiency such as Fe, Mn etc. through an effective management program in mono-layer system because of its faster potential feasibility of salt accumulation. The greatest OMC was associated with USGA system, being 0.97% which was 11% over that of the other systems. Slight differences were observed for CEC among them. Mono-layer system produced 1.45 me/100g, 10.3% and 8.9% lower in CEC than those of multi-layer and USGA system, respectively. Micronutrients such as Fe, Zn, and Mn etc. were below the level required for turf growth, regardless of soil systems. It was considered that one year after turf establishment was not enough to build up micronutrients in sand-based soil systems to the normal level for a turf growth. These results demonstrate that intensive management program including grow-in concept fertilization should be integrated into sand-based soil systems, even after a year in establishment. Regular nutrient monitoring by soil analyses is a strong necessity to decide the kinds and amount of fertilizer. Also, strategic management program must be selectively employed according to sports turf soil systems.