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Irrigation is one of the most critical aspects of managing natural grass, especially for sports fields like football pitches. The quantity of water, timing (morning, afternoon, or evening), and frequency of irrigation are all influenced by factors such as grass species, soil type, and weather conditions. Effective lawn management requires a deep understanding of these variables to ensure proper watering practices.
Unlike ornamental lawns in parks, football fields endure heavy use from players performing actions like running, jumping, kicking, and sliding. This constant activity can lead to wear and tear, making it essential to manage irrigation carefully. Ideally, irrigation should be done in a single session with long intervals between waterings. It's particularly important to adjust watering during peak usage times rather than when it's colder. However, in many school and training fields, the high frequency of use combined with sandy soils often leads to overwatering due to automated sprinkler systems, resulting in inefficient and uncontrolled irrigation.
Soil moisture plays a key role in plant health. When the soil becomes too dry, plants begin to wilt, and this level is known as the wilting point. On the other hand, when the soil is fully saturated, it reaches field capacity, which is the maximum amount of water the soil can hold against gravity. The effective water content—what the root system can actually absorb—is crucial for turfgrass growth and is measured in millimeters per centimeter of soil depth. The range of effective water tension typically falls between pF 2.5–2.7 (field capacity) and pF 3.9–4.2 (wilting point). Different soil types have varying capacities, as shown in the table below.
**Effective Water Content in Different Soils**
| Soil Type | Effective Water (mm/cm) |
|-------------------|--------------------------|
| Sand | 0.33–0.83 |
| Sandy Loam | 0.75–1.08 |
| Loam | 1.08–1.67 |
| Clay | 1.50–1.58 |
For example, in a sandy football field with 20 cm of soil, the effective water would range from 6.6 mm to 16.6 mm. Deeper root systems allow plants to access more water, reducing the need for frequent irrigation. However, many factors—including grass species, temperature, mowing height, and soil quality—must be considered before achieving optimal results.
Irrigation is closely tied to evaporation and evapotranspiration. Cold-season grasses typically lose about 0.65–0.8 mm of water per day, while warm-season grasses lose 0.55–0.65 mm. In temperate regions, daily evaporation rates can range from 2.5 to 7.5 mm. By measuring these rates, you can estimate how often to irrigate. For instance, if the soil holds 15 mm of water and loses 5 mm daily, irrigation should occur every 3 days.
However, irrigation frequency also depends on transpiration, weather conditions, and the efficiency of the irrigation method. Sandy soils, commonly used in football fields, have low water retention. To improve this, adding organic matter, minerals, and soil conditioners during construction can significantly increase water-holding capacity, extending irrigation intervals by two to three times.
There are several ways to determine irrigation intervals. Theoretical calculations and instruments like soil moisture sensors can provide accurate data. Surface temperature monitoring is another method, though it may require additional cooling if temperatures get too high.
The amount of water needed for natural turf is vital for seedling growth, but there's no universal formula. Factors like grass species, fertilizer application, soil quality, and weather all play a role. Scientific methods combined with practical experience are essential. For example, in a standard football field (over 7,000 m²), a 15 cm depth of sandy soil might hold around 25.4 mm of available water, requiring approximately 210 tons of water for full coverage. Exceeding this amount can be harmful to the grass.
Different soil types also vary in their ability to retain water. As shown in the table below, fine sand has very low water-holding capacity, while cohesive soils retain more moisture.
**Various Types of Soil and Effective Water**
| Name | Field Capacity (%) | Wilting Coefficient (PF) | Effective Water (mm) |
|------------------|--------------------|---------------------------|-----------------------|
| Fine Sand | 0.5 | 3.5 | 3.0 |
| Micro Sandy Soil | 30.2 | 7.7 | 22.5 |
| Cohesive Soil | 30.5 | 17.5 | 13.0 |
In addition to soil type, different grass species have varying water needs. Cold-season grasses, such as fescue and ryegrass, are less drought-tolerant and may require more frequent watering, especially during hot periods. Warm-season grasses like zoysiagrass and Bermuda grass are more resilient and better suited for drier climates. Proper irrigation techniques, such as misting, can help cool down the grass and reduce stress during heatwaves.
Overall, successful irrigation requires a combination of scientific knowledge, practical experience, and careful observation of environmental conditions. By understanding the specific needs of the grass and soil, you can maintain a healthy, durable lawn that supports athletic activities effectively.