ASTM F2060-00(2018)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2060 − 00 (Reapproved 2018) An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
Maintaining Cool Season Turfgrasses on Athletic Fields
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2060; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.1.3 thatch, n—an accumulation of undecomposed organic
matter that can form at the soil surface in a turf.
1.1 This guide covers the minimum requirements for main-
taining cool season turfgrasses used for natural surface athletic
3. Significance and Use
fields. Practices covered include mowing, fertilization,
irrigation, core cultivation, overseeding, and pest management.
3.1 Adense, uniform stand of turfgrass on a playing surface
improves the playing quality and safety of the field by
1.2 The decisions involved in maintaining a quality natural
providing firm footing for the athletes and by cushioning their
playing surface should consider soil types, local climate and
impact from falls or tackles. These standards are the minimum
other factors; therefore, it is recommended that you contact
inputs required to provide such a surface. Various published
your local cooperative extension service for more specific
guides have been used in the development of this guide (1-5).
information on soils, and grass species and cultivars adapted to
your area.
3.2 Field conditions may directly influence the frequency
and type of athletic injuries occurring as a result of using the
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
fields.Whilethesestandardsdonotguaranteethatsuchinjuries
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
will be prevented, a well-maintained turf on a natural playing
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
surface should minimize field-related injuries.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Apparatus
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1 General—Experience and good judgment are important
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
to match the proper type of equipment to the nature of the task
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
to be performed.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1.1 Mowing Equipment—Mower types include reel,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
rotary, and flail; although, the latter type is not recommended
for fine playing surfaces. A reel mower should be used for
2. Terminology
playing surfaces requiring mowing at less than 1.5 in. (3.8 cm).
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: Mower blades should always be kept sharp and properly
2.1.1 athletic field, n—a field constructed and utilized for adjusted in accordance to manufacturer’s recommendations.
conduct of various organized sporting events. Mowing equipment should be operated in a speed range
consistent with the manufacturer’s recommendation.
2.1.2 cool season turfgrasses, n—grass species widely
4.1.2 Spreaders—Spreaders are necessary if dry fertilizer or
adapted to cool temperate climates. Some species persist and
pest control materials are to be applied. Spreader types may
are used in warm humid to warm subhumid climates; referred
include drop, rotary (centrifugal, spinner), or oscillating.
to as the transition zone. Cool season species commonly used
Spreaders should be calibrated to deliver the desired, labeled,
for natural playing surfaces include Kentucky bluegrass, pe-
or recommended rate of fertilizer or pest control product being
rennial ryegrass, tall fescue, fine leaf fescues, creeping
applied.
bentgrass, and colonial bentgrass. Creeping and colonial bent-
4.1.3 Sprayers—Sprayers are necessary if liquid fertilizers
grasses are normally used only on croquet and lawn bowling
or pest control materials are to be applied. Low pressure
courts.
systems are recommended. Sprayers should be calibrated to
deliver the desired, labeled, or recommended rate of fertilizer
or pest control product being applied.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.64 on Natural Playing Surfaces.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F2060 – 00 (2011). The boldface numbers in parentheses refers to the list of references at the end
DOI: 10.1520/F2060-00R18. of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2060 − 00 (2018)
4.1.4 Core Cultivators—Core cultivation (aerification, cor- 6. Fertilization
ing) equipment relieves soil surface compaction. Core cultiva-
6.1 Fertilization (General)—Fertilization is essential for
tors should be of the type that physically removes soil, such as
maintaining dense, vigorously growing natural turfgrass fields.
1 3
a hollow tine or spoon. Cultivators with ⁄2 to ⁄4 in. (13 to 19
Fertilizer rate, timing, source, and ratio will influence a natural
mm) tines on 4 to 6 in. (100 to 150 mm) spacings should be
turf’s density, color, uniformity, recuperative ability, as well as
usedonallplayingsurfaces.Spikers,slicers,orsimilartypesof
its ability to tolerate wear, biological and environmental
equipment are not suitable for relieving surface compaction.
stresses.
4.1.5 Seeders—Slit seeders should be used for any over-
6.2 Soil Testing—Soil testing should be performed on estab-
seeding or renovation operations. Slit seeders cut a groove into
lished fields every three to four years. More frequent testing
the soil and deposit the seed in the groove at a predetermined
(every one or two years) may be required on sand based fields
depth.
or those having nutritional imbalances. Soil testing will iden-
4.1.6 Irrigation System or Equipment—Ideally, some source
tifynutrientdeficienciesthatmaybecorrectedbysupplemental
of water should be available for irrigation. Systems can range
fertilizer applications or by fertilizer selection. Soil testing will
from portable or permanently installed types.
also identify changes needed in soil reaction (pH).
4.1.7 Soil Sampling Tubes, used to sample soils for testing
6.2.1 Sampling—A representative sample should be taken
purposes.
from each field. Using a soil sampling tube, pull out about 50
5. Mowing random samples per acre of turf, and combine them to obtain
a representative sample. Samples should be taken from the soil
5.1 Mowing (General)—The periodic removal of excess
surface to a depth of 2 to 4 in. (51 to 102 mm), or a depth
shoot growth is necessary on natural surface playing fields.
recommended by the testing laboratory.
5.2 Mowing Height—The mowing height of a natural sur-
6.2.2 Remove the thatch and any stones or debris.
face athletic field will vary with the sport, turfgrass species,
6.2.3 Thoroughly mix the cores and pull a 1-pt (0.5-L)
and time of the year.Adjust mowing heights accordingly, using
sample from the composite to submit to the testing laboratory.
Table 1.
6.2.4 Provide as much information to the laboratory as
5.3 Mowing Frequency—Fields should be mowed as often
possible, including the use of the area, grass species, past
as necessary. No more than ⁄3 of the leaf surface should be cut
fertilization history, irrigation or not, clipping removal or not,
off at any one mowing. Under normal growing conditions, this
age of the field, and other information the laboratory may
usually means every five to seven days for fields maintained at
request.
1.5 in. (38 mm) or higher, two or three times a week for
6.2.5 Submit the samples to a state or commercial soil
baseball infields and other closely mowed fields.
testing laboratory. Maintain records of samples submitted, to
include sampling date, soil testing laboratory, and results.
5.4 Clipping Removal—Fields maintained at a mowing
height of 1 in. (25 mm) or higher do not require that the
6.3 Soil Reaction (pH)—Soil pH should be maintained in a
clippings be removed at mowing if mowed at the proper
range of 6.0 to 7.0.
frequency. Only remove clippings if the grass is allowed to
6.3.1 Lime should be applied as per soil test recommenda-
grow excessively high so that clippings would accumulate on
tions to increase soil pH. Lime materials may include pulver-
the playing field surface. Playing surfaces maintained at one
ized or granular limestone, pelletized limestone, and hydrated
inch or shorter should have the clippings removed with each
lime. Use dolomitic liming materials if there is a need for
mowing.
additional magnesium in the soil.Apply lime in spring, or fall,
or both, until the desired pH is attained.
5.5 Mowing Pattern—Mowing direction should be varied
6.3.2 Apply no more than 100 lbs of agricultural lime/1000
with each successive mowing. Striping of fields due to mowing
ft (4900 kg/ha) per application on bluegrass, ryegrass, or tall
direction can be accomplished with one or two
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