Influence of Increasing Fines on Soil Physical Properties of U.S. Golf Association Sand

Abstract

<jats:p>Drainage is important to golf and athletic facilities trying to avoid lost play time. Native soil containing clay is sometimes incorporated into sand profiles with the intent to increase water and nutrient holding capacities. However, mixes high in silt and/or clay often have drainage problems. Research was conducted on soil physical properties from incremental 10% v/v additions of silt and clay (fines) to a U.S. Golf Association (USGA)-specification sand. Soils were evaluated based on volumetric water retention from 0 to 50 cm matric potential, saturated hydraulic conductivity (K<jats:sub>sat</jats:sub>), porosity, and bulk density. The soil water characteristic (SWC) for 100:0 (sand:fines) had lower volumetric water content (θ<jats:sub>v</jats:sub>) throughout the profile than any other mixture. Addition of 10% fines increased θ<jats:sub>v</jats:sub> to more than 0.17 cm<jats:sup>3</jats:sup>·cm<jats:sup>–3</jats:sup> throughout the 0- to 50-cm matric potential range, whereas 20% fines increased θ<jats:sub>v</jats:sub> to more than 0.26 cm<jats:sup>3</jats:sup>·cm<jats:sup>–3</jats:sup>. The 70:30 mixture had greater θ<jats:sub>v</jats:sub> throughout the profile than mixtures containing more than 70% sand. Mixtures with less than 70% sand produced similar SWCs. Increasing sand content increased bulk density, which altered saturated volumetric water content. K<jats:sub>sat</jats:sub> was reduced from more than 265 cm·h<jats:sup>–1</jats:sup> in 100:0 mixtures to 43 cm·h<jats:sup>–1</jats:sup> for 90:10 mixtures, and to less than 5 cm·h<jats:sup>–1</jats:sup> with ≥20% fines. The addition of ≥20% by volume of fines to a USGA sand increased water content in the soil to the point it was rendered unacceptable for trafficked turf sites. This research illustrates the influence fine particles, even in small amounts, can have on a USGA sand, and why they should not be added without prior evaluation.</jats:p>

Critique of USGA Reco mmendations for A Method of Putting Green Construction

“…In past specifications, the textural class was not included, and it is unclear why it would be included now, especially in this ambiguous context. Reco mmendations that no more than Agricultural Research & Technology: Open Access Journal 10% of the rootzone is very fine sand, silt, or clay, agrees with Brown et al [5], who demonstrated the addition of more than 20% silt and clay retained excessive water in the rootzone making it unsuitable for play (Table 1); however, 20% and less should be acceptable. Erring on the side of caution in this instance may be preferable, thus, 10% is sufficient.…”

“…Porosity of the rootzone is reco mmended to fall between 35% and 55%, with air filled porosity at 40 cm tension of 15% to 30% and water filled porosity at 40 cm tension of 15% to 25%. Our research has shown all pure sands have water filled porosity below 15% at 40 cm tension, and most would fail to meet this requirement [5]. Addition of an organic amendment or native soil to the rootzone could increase the water content at this depth to acceptable levels; however, other properties could be adversely affected, resulting in the mix being unacceptable.…”

“…Certainly, addition of fines (very fine sand, silt, or clay) to a USGA sand mix will decrease Ksat, but a reduction in Ksat may be irrelevant. Brown et al [5] demonstrated a reduction in Ksat from 106 in h -1 (268 cm h -1 ) for 100% sand to 17 in h -1 (43 cm h -1 ) for the mix with 10% fines (Table 1). A Ksat of 16 in h -1 (40 cm h -1 ) has little infiltration, percolation, or drainage problems in a USGA green.…”

“…The statement that adding soil to a rootzone mix will not result in a significant increase in water retention is not totally accurate. Figure 1, adapted from Brown et al [5], indicates water retention in the 0 to 50 cm range increases as the quantity of fines increases. The statement that "soil .…”

Evaluation of copper tailings from the abandoned Messina Mine for possible reuse in recreational projects, South Africa

“…The content of fines also affects the porosity of sand and its water holding capacity that is important for the growth of the grass and other plants on rootzones. The study by Brown et al (2019) showed that a considerable increase in fines in the rootzone mixtures; leads to increased water holding capacity of the material.…”