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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.