Inorganic Soil Amendment Effects on Sand‐Based Sports Turf Media

Abstract

Inorganic soil amendments have been suggested for use in turf to alleviate soil compaction, increase water retention and hydraulic conductivity, and improve many other soil physical properties. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of ceramic, porous ceramic clay (PCC), calcined diatomaceous earth (CDE), and polymer coated clay (PC) on the physical characteristics of sand‐based media and to determine the effects of these amendments on bulk density following freeze–thaw treatments. Inorganic materials were added to a sand‐based golf green at 10% on a volumetric basis during construction in 1996. Data collected from the field included saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), water retention, water release curves, bulk density and total porosity on compacted samples collected at construction, and undisturbed samples collected from the treated plots 1 and 2 yr after establishment. The PCC treatment had an 8 and 7% higher cation‐exchange capacity (CEC) than the control in 1997 and 1998, respectively. The PCC increased the Ksat by 26 and 20% in the compacted and undisturbed samples, respectively, in 1998. The CDE increased water retention by 13% in both compacted and undisturbed samples. Saturated hydraulic conductivity of the sand–inorganic mixtures decreased in the 2 yr, although some increases in Ksat were observed each spring. The Ksat of plots receiving all inorganic amendments was reduced by 75% in November of 1998. The Ksat values in the spring of 1999 increased from the low levels of 1998 by 19% (PC), 44% (control), 59% (ceramic), 72% (PCC), and 82% (CDE). The changes of Ksat over the winter may have been induced by freezing and thawing. These changes may not necessarily be caused by total porosity increases; instead they may be caused by increases in macropores. This hypothesis was further tested in the laboratory in a freeze–thaw study conducted in 1999. The PC, control, CDE, and PCC decreased bulk density by 10.7, 7.2, 2.5, and 2.2%, respectively, following a freeze–thaw cycle.

Granular Size Effect of Clinoptilolite on Maize Seedlings Growth

“…On general terms, the effect of zeolite on root elongation has been already observed [17,23], but the underlying mechanisms are poorly known.…”

“…The zeolite has already been used as soil amendment with satisfactory results [17,18], but also as component of growing media in containerized seedlings propagation [19,20]: however, data are not still available on the effect of clinoptilolite particles' size and doses as growing media component, particularly in relation to the co-addition with different organic materials.…”

Hard Coal Fly Ash and Silica-Effect of Fine Particulate Matter Deposits on <i>Brassica chinensis</i>

“…A mixture of 50% Gramoflor and silica resulted in higher plants with more dry mass. This is most likely contributed to a general improvement of the substrate including a higher water holding capacity of the substrate [37] .…”

Comparative Evaluation of Common Savannahgrass on a Range of Soils Subjected to Different Stresses I: Productivity and Quality

“…Engelsford and Singh [24] reported the positive effects of sand-based root zones on turf vegetative growth. In most instances, sand layers are superimposed on gravel beds [25] facilitating drainage; however, in this study, the sand layer was placed directly above the soil. Topdressing with sand is a common local practice on soil-established turf fields and has been reported by Baker and Canaway [26] to produce better turfgrass playing quality for perennial ryegrass relative to the soil-only control.…”