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IPM/A -6-

turf after every aeration be implemented. Interseeding -
refers to the practice of applying seed of desirable
grasses several times yearly to a heavily-used (or
stressed) turf area. The seed can be sowed directly
following aeration or verticutting and integrated into
the soil during the dragging process used to break up the
soil plugs created by the aerator.

‘Weakened or damaged areas of turf sould be scarified and

seeded as soon as practical after damage is noted by the
monitoring program. By quickly seeding damaged areas, weed
growth can. be kept to a minimum.

B. .t is recommended that athletic fields be
aerated at least one time per month during periods of
heavy use. Increased frequency of aeration will reduce
soil compaction, improve grass vigor and decrease weed
habitat. ideally, each fieid should be aerified twice
Tenthwise and once crosswise in spring and fall.

“Supplemental aerifications could be done in one direc-

tion. Aeration should be followed by interseeding as
described in item.3 A. above.

C. i1t is recommended that increased organic matter
be appiied to the turf areas in order to reduce soil
compaction and improve drainage. At present, the primary
material used for topdressing is sand. By changing the top-
dressing to a mix of.3/4 composted manure or sludge and
1/4 sand, soil aeration and drainage wil] be improved.