BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
healthy and attractive . For turfgrass areas , the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program , Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf and Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance can provide information on improved cultivars of turfgrasses that perform well with fewer inputs .
Whenever new construction or renovation occurs , landscaped areas should be amended to include more native plant material . Incorporating native plants supports a reduced maintenance program that requires less time and expense to maintain . Keys to establishing strong , healthy landscaping plantings are as follows : Soil testing and modification ( if needed ). Weed management during the establishment phase . Supplemental irrigation to encourage plant establishment ( if possible ).
In landscaped areas , low-quality , highly disturbed soils promote the growth of weeds , including invasive weeds , that outcompete desired plants . Therefore , soil tests that provide data on nutrient levels and soil structure can provide the information needed to modify soils if warranted , prior to planting , greatly improving the success of these efforts . Weed management during the establishment phase is critical to allow the native plants the chance to establish themselves before competition from weeds decreases the quality and density of the native plantings . Lastly , during establishment , especially during drought , supplemental irrigation helps to promote plant growth . Once established , native plants are acclimated to local climate and conditions .
SUSTAINABLE NATURALIZED AREAS Sustainable naturalized areas can help managers meet their goals to improve both environmental protection and economic sustainability . While sports fields normally require sufficient irrigation for overall plant health and recovery from wear , other areas of the facility will not need to be as intensely maintained . Facilities that experience increased seasonal water limitations may consider design alterations of non-turfgrass areas to increase or reduce the amount of natural grass areas that require irrigation .
These non-turfgrass areas can also help to restore habitat and increase biodiversity . Conventional landscapes use less than 15 species in an average landscaped lot , while the average undisturbed forest or meadow can support 100 species in the same area . In addition , diverse , multi-storied plantings store more carbon than mown turfgrass areas ( Selhort , 2012 ). Plantings can also be made specifically to support pollinator habitats .
While developing a plan to improve and expand wildlife habitat , existing native habitats should be protected , and existing natural amenities expanded or enhanced . Retain or restore existing native vegetation , where possible . Where appropriate , existing vegetation should be enhanced through the supplemental planting of native species around native areas and water sources . Wet areas and waterways ( streams and ponds ) should be planted with native wetland vegetation utilized by many wildlife species . Nuisance , invasive and exotic plants should be removed and replaced with native species adapted to the site .
POLLINATOR HABITAT Habitat for pollinators includes foraging habitat , nesting sites , and available water sources . Pollinator-friendly habitat contains a diversity of blooming plants of different colors and heights , with blossoms throughout the entire growing season . Native plants provide the most nutritious food source for native pollinators .
Increasing habitat to meet pollinator needs can be accomplished simply by adding to existing plantings or through more intensive efforts to establish a larger native area . Pollinator habitat includes grassy areas and landscaped areas . Areas renovated specifically with pollinator habitat as a priority includes native plants , wildflowers , and flowering trees and shrubs .
30 SportsField Management | June 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com