FERTILISER, SAND DRESSING AND AERATION PROGRAMMES FOR FOOTBALL PITCHES. II. COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

摘要

The aim of the trial was to develop an objective system for examining the cost-effectiveness of different management operations carried out on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) turf used for football under simulated wear. Costs for three main management operations (fertiliser application, sand dressing and aeration) were obtained from published sources and the costing model was improved using data for grass growth rates, as fertiliser application will also determine mowing frequency. Costs of specific management operations could be calculated and related to turf performance in relation to grass cover, hardness, ball rebound, traction and water infiltration rates at critical points in the season.A composite surface quality index was also developed from the various measures of pitch performance listed above. The surface quality index was strongly influenced by sand and fertiliser application rates but aeration treatments had relatively little effect. Optimum maintenance strategies for specific budgets are discussed in relation to maximising the surface quality index.