CFB Field Equipment & Maintenance Operations Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a field roller used on natural grass athletic fields?

Answer: To smooth surface irregularities and improve ball roll

Field rollers are used to smooth out surface irregularities and improve playing surface levelness, which enhances ball roll consistency and player safety.

Which maintenance practice involves removing cores of soil from an athletic field to relieve compaction and improve air and water movement?

Answer: Core aeration

Core aeration uses hollow tines to pull out plugs of soil, relieving compaction and creating channels for air, water, and nutrients to reach the rootzone.

What is the recommended mowing height range for bermudagrass on a US sports field during peak growing season?

Answer: 0.5–1.5 inches

Bermudagrass on sports fields is typically maintained at 0.5–1.5 inches during the growing season to balance turf density, ball roll, and plant health.

Which type of mower is most commonly used for striping patterns and producing consistent cut quality on high-use athletic fields?

Answer: Reel mower

Reel mowers produce a scissors-like cutting action that delivers a cleaner, more consistent cut and creates the striping patterns seen on professional athletic fields.

What is the purpose of 'topdressing' an athletic field with sand?

Answer: To level the surface, improve drainage, and dilute thatch

Sand topdressing levels minor surface imperfections, improves surface drainage, dilutes organic thatch accumulation, and gradually improves the soil profile over time.

When should aerification of a cool-season grass athletic field typically be performed to minimize recovery time?

Answer: Early fall or early spring during active growth

Aerifying cool-season grass fields during early fall or early spring takes advantage of active growth periods for fast hole recovery before competition.