Best Management Practices for Kapolei Elementary School Playfield

DOE JOB NO. P82003-07Kapolei O‘ahu, Hawai‘i

Final DraftFebruary 2012

Prepared by

For Kwock Associates Inc.

K I CONCEPTS

For the Kapolei Elementary School Community and the Department of Education Facilities Maintenance Branch

Best Management Practices

KAPOLEI ELEMENTARYSCHOOL PLAYFIELD

aloha ‘aina . kuleana . lokahi . laulima . ‘ohana . malama . aloha

What does it mean to our children when they are taught these values, only

to find their existing playfield in a physically dangerous and environmentally

hazardous condition, that could have, and should have, been taken care of by

their aunties and uncles?

It is important that children see these Hawaiian values implemented on their

playfield. However, the problems observed on this playfield cannot simply be

solved by a designer. The designer provides the initial framework for success,

but it is up to the community to execute the core values of its people to perpetuate

the life of the land.

We should strive to achieve what our Hawaiian ancestors did. We should

strive to set examples for our children so they can pass along these same

Hawaiian values to their children. Most importantly, we must recognize what is

not working and implement a sustainable method.

In Hawai‘i, both at school and at home, children are taught by

parents and kupuna at an early age to follow fundamental Hawaiian values:

Aloha ‘aina (love for the land)

Laulima (cooperativeness)

Lokahi (harmony, balance, unity)

‘Ohana (family)

Kuleana (responsibility)

Malama (to care for)

Contents

Honaunau, Hawai‘i Image from califia.us

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contentsHawaiian Values

Maintenance

Pg.

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I.

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III.

IV.

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VII.

VIII.

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IXV.

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Best Management Practices for Kapolei Elementary School’s Playfield

Aloha ‘aina (love for the land)

Kuleana (responsibility)

Lokahi (harmony, balance, unity)

Laulima (cooperativeness)

‘Ohana (family)

Malama (to care for)

Irrigation

Mowing

Weeds and Pests

Thatch

Fertilization

Regrassing

Aeration

Topdressing

Other practices

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Aloha ‘ainalove for the land

Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘aina i ka pono; the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.

These are the words spoken over 160 years ago by King Kamehameha III, who presided over

the Kingdom of Hawai‘i from 1825 to 1854. It later became the official state motto just over 50

years ago in 1959, a reflection of the character and beliefs of the citizens of the state at that

time. From past to present, aloha ‘aina has been an integral part of Hawaiian culture.

The concept of land ownership has always been a foreign concept to ancient

Hawaiians. Ancient Hawaiians divided land into ahupua‘a (land divisions) that extended from

the mountain summits to the reef in the sea. The chiefs of these ahupua‘a were considered

stewards of the land who granted the general populace of the ahupua‘a use of the land for

their livelihood. The ahupua‘a functioned as a self-contained economic and social unit that

integrated all of its resources from its dispersed ecological zones. Everyone living in the

ahupua‘a was entitled to a share of what was produced from the land or sea in the ahupua‘a.

As the state of Hawai‘i becomes more developed, we forget the way in which Hawai‘i

sustained itself for the whole of its history. The ancient Hawaiians knew that everything they

needed was provided by the land and sea, and that without it they would not have the essentials

needed to survive. They understood that in order to produce for an entire community, they

had to view the land as a fragile living entity that needed to be resupplied of that which was

borrowed.

At Kapolei Elementary School Playfield, we see the need to re-establish this

symbiotic relationship between humankind and land. The land, which includes the soil

and vegetation, has been used but not resupplied with that which was taken from it. Soil

is compacted but not relieved by aeration. Grass gets mowed irregularly, but not replanted

or watered. Invasive plants, insects, and diseases move into the downgraded landscape.

Damage has been done to the land, causing an unpleasant and even dangerous situation in

almost all cases. Significant changes are required in order to create a successful playfield.

Hawaiian Values

5

Illustration by Marilyn KahalewaiAhupua‘a of Ancient Hawai‘i


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Kuleanaresponsibility

Some important but basic questions about the current condition of the playfield can

help us to avoid making the same mistake twice. What are the current conditions? How did it get

that way? What do we want our field to look like? How can we achieve our goals? The answer

is consistently “kuleana”; it all comes down to responsibility. The designer’s responsibility is to

set up the framework for a successful playfield, but it is the owner’s responsibility to provide

the field with the care it needs to survive in the long term. This cannot be stressed enough.

Even if a large amount of money is invested into establishing the field, a week of negligence

can severely compromise the longevity of the field, making it increasingly difficult to restore

to its original condition.

What has been apparent about current maintenance practices is that parties

involved with the maintenance of the field not only seem to be unsure of the schedule of

routine maintenance visits, but there is also confusion over responsibility of tasks in the

playfield maintenance. From the information obtained by the Department of Education’s

Facility Maintenance Branch, DOE-FM is responsible for mowing, aerating, and maintaining

the irrigation system. Kapolei Elementary School administration says that the school is

responsible for watering, fertilizing, and pest and weed control. Both DOE-FM and KES are

unclear about who prunes shrubs, or who would replant grass stolons in bare spots. KES

also noted that the irrigation system was damaged years ago by the tine aerator last time

the field was aerated, however the irrigation system was never fixed and the playfield hasn’t

been aerated since then. They also say the mowing schedule is irregular and that there is no

set mowing schedule. Unless the provisions in this maintenance manual are taken seriously

with all parties involved on the same page with a general understanding of who is in charge

of what part of the turf field maintenance, it is with absolute certainty that the field will fail.

Hawaiian Values

Photo by colvillag.org

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Current/existing maintenance schedule

Kapolei Elementary School and DOE Contact List

KES DOE-Facilities Maintenance

Maintenance Practice

Weekly Monthly Annually (or as needed)

Irrigation N/A System is broken

N/A System is broken

N/A System is broken

Mowing Two to three times a month

Weed/Pest Control None None None

Fertilization None None None

Regrassing None None None

Aeration None None None

Topdressing None None None

Thatch Removal None None None

Principal of SchoolCindy Otsu91-1119 Kama‘aha Loop Kapolei, HI 96707Ph: 808.693.7000E: [email protected]

Vice Principal of SchoolCosmo Arakawa91-1119 Kama‘aha Loop Kapolei, HI 96707Ph: 808.693.7000E: [email protected]

Head Custodian/GroundskeeperTracie Ana91-1119 Kama‘aha Loop Kapolei, HI 96707Ph: 808.693.7000E: [email protected]

DOE-FM Branch729 Kakoi StreetHonolulu, HI 96819Ph: 808.831.6731

Kapolei Complex Facilities Maintenance ContactReynaldo ClarinPh: 808.831.7955E: [email protected]

DOE-FM Landscape ArchitectLloyd ShimazuPh: 808.831.6754E: Lloyd_Shimazu/FacilMain/ [email protected]


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Lokahiharmony, balance, unity

Achieving lokahi means understanding how all components of field maintenance are

dependant on each other in order to make the playfield a success.

Although plants require water and nutrients (fertilizer) to survive and thrive,

aeration is necessary to loosen the soil. When soil is compacted, the water and nutrients do

not get fully absorbed by the turf roots. Instead the water runs off of the playfield, carrying

fertilizers and other potentially harmful substances along with it into stormdrains, to adjacent

streams, and eventually into the ocean. Additionally, ignoring aeration leads to thatch buildup.

Thatch accumulation introduces diseases, pests, and invasive weeds that leads to turf wilting,

browning, and eventually dying. The result leaves dangerous bare patches of exposed

hardpan or mud depending on the season. One missed step in the maintenance process

leads to increased maintenance.

Following a strict schedule for field maintenance is a requirement. Maintenance

equals time, money, and responsibility. Missing a week of mowing can give thatch plenty of

time to build up. Money should be used to for labor, machinery, and other materials such

as fuel and fertilizer. Even a tight budget can be overcome with an intelligent alloc+ation of

resources and outside help. This takes responsibility combined with a strong understanding

of lokahi. A form of leadership should be established to become responsible for carrying out

the required maintenance components while following its strict schedule and procedures.

Hawaiian Values

Pua Ali‘i Ilima at the Prince Lot Hula Festival Photo by the Pa‘i Foundation

Recommended maintenance schedule

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Maintenance Practice

Weekly Monthly Annually (or as needed)

Irrigation Check for leaks, monitor/adjust head outputs. Check weather station. Adjust water pressure as needed.

Monitor field performance. Conduct in-depth system audit.

Mowing Mow weekly (preferred) or every 2 weeks (minimum) to ½”-1”. Keep clippings in place. Do not let the grass exceed 1” in height.

Mower maintenance. Keep reel blades sharp.

Mower overhaul.

Weed/Pest Control Monitor for pests. Identify and act accordingly. Use CTAHR* for identification and control recommendations. Remove weeds. Do not allow weeds to seed.

Monitor. Assess success of protocols and project future action.

Fertilization As required. 2-3 lb per 1000sf of slow release every 60-90 days with reduced applications in winter months.

Assess success of protocols and project future action.

Regrassing Regrass bare spots as needed. Keeping a dense culture of grass keeps weeds out. Stolonize or plug. Allow required areas to establish. Cone off area for 3-4 weeks.

Aeration Core 2 times a year (one time/yr minimum) Consider substituting the second coring with verticutting.

Assess success of protocols and project future action.

Topdressing 2 times a year 1/4” of organic soil conditioner per topdressing. Integrate with gypsum application.

Need to sustain a program for at least three years to assess success.

Thatch Removal Verticut once annually, assessed by observation, implemented as required.

*CTAHR: UHM College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources


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Laulimacooperativeness

Historical evidence suggests that because of the limited resources available

to maintain the Kapolei Elementary School Playfield, there is a need for help from

the community. Innovative and sustainable solutions for maintenance of this field are

necessary.

Solicitation of help from the community or those parties who use the field

is a suggested option that may help to offset maintenance costs. Local golf courses

and the adjacent recreation center may be able to lend their services or equipment. A

program can be implemented that gets students involved with appropriate maintenance

procedures; for example, if weeding is implemented into the end of P.E. class (students

line up along one side of the field and pull weeds as the line moves down the field), the

need for herbicides would be dramatically reduced. Language Arts classes may use

writing letters for community outreach as a means to innitiate once a month activities

with Kapolei Middle School and Kapolei High School student councils. Organize a

PTSA Playfield Maintenance Committee to work with KES administration to coordinate

workdays. Grants can be applied for and school fundraisers can be held to raise money

for field maintenance supplies and services.

Stewardship of the field can start with simple acts that foster school pride

and sense of ownership. With coordination between the three schools, expenses on

equipment and/or maintenance may be shared. Students can also photograph the field

and write articles for “He Mau Manao Nui”, the school’s bi-monthly newsletter which

could increase involvement in caring for the field.

Hawaiian Values

Cooperation during a traditional “hukilau” Image by Jane Resture

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Kapolei Golf Course91-701 Farrington HighwayKapolei, HI 96707Ph: 808.674.2227E: [email protected]: Andy MeikleGolf Operations Manager: Ken TeraoDistance to Kapolei ES: 1.9 miles

Hawai‘i Prince Golf Club91-1200 Fort Weaver RoadEwa Beach, HI 96706Ph: 808.944.4567Distance to Kapolei ES: 4.4 miles

Ewa Beach Golf Club91-050 Fort Weaver RoadEwa Beach, HI 96706Ph: 808.689.6565Superintendent: Bryan GradyDistance to Kapolei ES: 6.1 miles

Coral Creek Golf Course91-1111 Geiger RoadEwa Beach, HI 96706Ph: 808.441.4653Distance to Kapolei ES: 3.3 miles

West Loch Golf Course91-1126 Okupe StreetEwa Beach, HI 96706Ph: 808.675.6076Superintendent: Tony Balada, Jr.Distance to Kapolei ES: 5.1 miles

Kapolei Recreation Center91-1111 Kamaaha LoopKapolei, HI. 96707Ph: 808.674.4444Recreation Direction: Chris LewisDistance to Kapolei ES: 0.0 miles

Ewa Villages Golf Course91-1760 Park Row StreetEwa Beach, HI 96706Ph: 808.681.0220Distance to Kapolei ES: 2.7 miles

Barbers Point Golf CourseEssex RoadKapolei, HI 96707Ph: 808.682.1911Distance to Kapolei ES: 1.8 miles

Kapolei High School91-5007 Kapolei ParkwayKapolei, HI 96707Ph: 808.692.8200Distance to Kapolei ES: 0.4 miles

Kapolei Middle School91-5335 Kapolei ParkwayKapolei, HI 96707Ph: 808.693.7025Distance to Kapolei ES: 0.4 miles

Contacts for Community Outreach

*Above are suggested resources that have not been previously contacted.


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‘Ohanafamily

As a major part of Hawaiian culture,

‘ohana means family in an extended sense of the

term. ‘Ohana extends to blood-related family, but

also adoptive and intentional members. ‘Ohana

emphasizes that family are bound together and

members must cooperate and remember one

another.

Hawaiian Values

An ‘ohana of surfers in a memorial ceremony Photo by the Association of Surfing Professionals

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Kapolei Elementary School’s playfield is used by an ‘ohana comprised of

students and by members of the broader Kapolei community. Caring for the playfield

requires kuleana (responsibility), but the field’s poor condition is a result of a lack of help

and resources. Programs that involve the community and give the community a sense

of ownership in helping to maintain the field are crucial. With a deep understanding of

‘ohana and laulima (cooperativeness), then the community can move forward to strategize

kuleana.

Photo by Kamehameha SchoolsKeiki gathering taro


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to care for

There are several methods that are used to maintain a high-quality

playfield. Proper maintenance requires much more than routine mowing.

All components must be coordinated and reliant upon each other to

perpetuate a high-quality playfield:

Irrigation

Fertilization

Aeration

Weed control

Pest control

Regrassing

Topdressing

Thatch removal

These should all be considered required components of malama for

Kapolei Elementary School’s playfield.

Malama

Hawaiian Values

Caring for lo‘i kalo on Kaua‘i Photo by Islandstyletravel.net

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The following pages include detailed descriptions of the best management practices required for keeping the Kapolei Elementary School playfield in top condition for the use and enjoyment by students, parents, teachers and community for many years to come.

Kapolei Elementary School Playfield Maintenance Best Management Practices


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One symptom of a lack of water is “foot

printing”. Footprints that do not disappear

within an hour are a sure sign that the field

needs water. Soon after this symptom, the

turf takes on a grayish cast and begins wilting.

If foot printing begins to appear regularly in

specific locations, spot water them and make

sure they are receiving adequate coverage

from the spray heads. Allowing the turf to

become drought-stressed between watering

will weaken the turf and make it more

susceptible to the invasion of weeds and

damage from insects and diseases.

IrrigationIrrigation is the best way to provide a healthy turf cover on a sports field.

The Kapolei Elementary School playfield is equipped with a water efficient automatic irrigation system. A

watering schedule needs to be developed customized to the field’s frequency of use and amount of seasonal

precipitation. The irrigation system includes a “smart” controller and weather station which calculates water

needs based on the previous day’s weather conditions and will apply the necessary water to the field. No guess

work is required. Generally, good irrigation practices should include the following:

•The most efficient time to water is late evening and early morning (between 12AM and 7AM) because it is

generally cooler, less windy, and more humid. This results in less evaporation of water.

•Irrigate the turf to a depth of 4-6 inches at each watering at a frequency dependant on the soil type. Multiple

watering cycles may be used to apply the required amount of water to prevent run off.

•Perform equipment checkup and maintenance on a weekly basis, which includes checking equipment for

damage, such as leaks, or spray pattern adjustments and then performing the adjustments or repairs necessary.

•Perform in-depth inspections of irrigation systems once per year coinciding with a school break.

•Look for signs of leakage, such as overgrown or particularly green turf areas, soggy areas around rotors. The

smart irrigation controller provided will automatically shut off a control valve when a leak is detected.

•Adjust water pressure as needed. Ensure that water pressure is properly set to minimize wind effects.

•Coordinate watering and field use to ensure proper turf/soil moisture (not soggy, not rock-hard).

Maintenance

Photos by buckeyeturf.osu.edu

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Irrigation equipment used in the playfield:

a. Pop-Up Spray Heads:

1. Hunter I-20-ADS 4” Gear driven rotary pop-up spray with check valve and stainless steel

riser. Arc is adjustable to 360 degrees with a spray radius of 40’.

2. Hunter I-25-04-SS 4” Gear driven rotary pop-up spray with check valve and stainless steel

riser. Arc is adjustable to 360 degrees with a spray radius of 53’.

3. Hunter MP1000 4” pop-up with check valve and MP rotator nozzle. Arc is adjustable up to

360 degrees with spray radii at 13’-14’. These heads are used around the play structures.

b. Valves:

1. Hunter IBV electric remote control 220 PSI rated brass globe valve.

2. Hunter HQ-44RC-AW red brass and stainless steel quick coupler valve with a 1” NPT inlet

and 2-piece wing.

3. NIBCO T-113-K class 125 bronze gate shut off valve with a cross handle at the same size

as the pipe diameter.

c. Backflow preventer: Febco 825YD 3” reduced pressure backflow preventer.

d. Controller: Hunter ICC-2400-SS modular controller outdoor model with 24 stations and

stainless steel cabinet.

e. Weather Station: Hunter MWS weather station with rain and wind sensors, 120 VAC and 5

AMP.

f. Booster pump: Watertronics model ST-30 or approved substitution capable of producing a 30

PSI pressure increase at a discharge volume of up to 140 gpm.

g. Pipes :

1. PVC class 200 irrigation lateral line.

2. HDPE PE3408 irrigation main line.

3. Pipe sleeve


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Mowing

Mowing consists of two important facets: height and frequency.

•Mow weekly or every 2 weeks (minimum) to a height of 1/2” to 1”.

•Do not allow the grass to reach heights greater than 1” because the turf will scalp easily and develop a significant

thatch problem.

•Follow the “1/3 rule”: mow often enough so no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade is cut at any one mowing. This

will help reduce stress on the turf and reduce the amount of clippings.

•Establish a mowing pattern that is efficient to minimize machine time. A recommended pattern is to mow twice

with a cross-cut chop.

•Raise mowing heights gradually during the summer to reduce the stress associated with heat and drought, and

then gradually reduce the height again in preparation for the fall.

•Make sure the mowers are properly maintained with sharp, balanced blades.

•A properly mowed field will recover quicker from damage, and will provide a safer, more stable playing surface

for the users.

•An economic mower ideal for this type of grass is a ‘National Hydro 70” Triplex’. Price starts at $1000.

National Hydro 70” Triplex mower

Maintenance

Example of mowing pattern

Photo by Nationalmower.com Illustration by Thrivelawncare.com

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There are two ways of handling clippings; mulch in place, or remove.

Leaving the clippings on the lawn after mowing to add to nutrient cycling is referred to as grasscycling. The

benefits of grasscycling are: reduced labor, money savings on fertilizer and environmental protection. The

benefits of leaving clippings are offset when mowing schedules are not maintained and grass clippings

become heavy and plentiful. Others choose to sweep, vacuum, or use bucket mowers to remove clippings

from the turf during the most active parts of the school season. Although clippings left will degrade and add

to the nutrient cycling within the soil, it is best to remove them from the active play zones as they can create

potential slip zones for children. In times of inactivity or areas of low activity, clipping removal is not necessary

if mowing heights are being maintained at a regular schedule. Removal of clipping also helps with weed seed

control if weeds are not being managed properly.

Our recommendation is to let the grass clippings fall back onto the lawn because they quickly

decompose to become nutrients and organic matter for the lawn. If regular mowing/weeding has

been established and in place, and the grass is cut per the “1/3 rule”, excessive clipping should not

lead to safety issues for users, or harbor pests/weed seed and disease for the turf grass. Contrary

to popular belief, grass clippings do not contribute to thatch accumulation. Because of the reduced

labor, reduced fertilizing, and environmental protection benefits of grasscycling, it is our overall

recommendation that the clippings be left in place to recycle on this field.

CUT

DO NOT CUT

Illustration by Sunset.com

1/3 Height

2/3 Height


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Weeds and PestsWeeds and pests are best controlled in a dense, healthy stand of turf.

The following are weed/pest best management principles:

a. Physically pull out weed by hand, digging or cultivation, before relying on herbicide use. Manage

your mowing to not allow weeds to flower and go to seed. A one to two week mowing schedule will

do this.

b. Replant bare areas to keep a dense stand of turf that out-competes opportunistic weed species.

c. Accurately identify pests that have been discovered. As a state facility, this field has access to the

resources at the College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources University of Hawaii at Manoa

(CTAHR). Bring the weeds in question in to Weed Science for identification and recommendations

for eradication protocols.

d. Determine injury and action levels that require treatments.

e. Implement spot treatments of low risk chemicals as needed to minimize human exposure and

costs.

f. Use herbicides/pesticides only as a last resort. Select products that are low risk to human health,

as children are particularly vulnerable to chemicals in the environment.

g. Choose chemicals that do not disrupt the settings of this landscape by killing non-target organisms.

Dollar Spot

Sod Webworm Larva

Sod Webworm Adult

The major pest for seashore paspalum is sod webworm, but mole crickets, spittlebugs, white

grubs, cutworms, and army worms are also common and can all inflict damage on the turf field.

While there are few disease problems for seashore paspalum, dollar spot is a fungus and is the

major disease for seashore paspalum and the symptoms are light straw-colored lesions on the top of

the leaf blade, but it is usually found only if the grass is cut too short. Nut sedge is a common weed

found in seashore paspalum.

Maintenance

Photos by Turfgrass.com

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ThatchThatch is a layer of partially decomposed organic matter mixed with live plant stems

at the soil surface.

Thatch coexisting with grass at Kapolei Elementary School’s playfield

Image from Ki Concepts

Thatch build-up develops rapidly in seashore paspalum. Thatch up to ½ to ¾ inch is acceptable and will

enhance traffic tolerance. Heavy thatch (greater than 3/4”) gives the lawn an uneven, clumpy appearance and

should be periodically removed with a “vertical mower.” Optimally, athletic fields should be vertically mowed

two to four times annually. At minimum, vertical mow the field once annually. Vertical mower blades should

be spaced approximately 1” apart and mow in two directions at right angles. Debris (thatch) brought to the

surface needs to be removed and could be composted for mulch or soil amendment once all living grass is

killed. Thatch accumulation can be decreased by frequent mowing near the low range of the recommended

heights and by avoiding over-watering and excessive applications of nitrogen fertilizer. One benefit of proper

mowing of thatch is that the process speeds up the greening by letting warm air move into the root zone.

Allowing thatch to accumulate would result in a number of problems. Once thatch starts to grow beyond

the point of maximum acceptable depth, the thatch increases quickly and becomes the main rooting medium

for the grass. This not only makes the turf prone to drought stress, but it also increases the possibility of

disease, insect, and/or weed problems. Fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns with significant thatch

accumulation work less effectively as well.


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FertilizationFertilization is important only when deficiencies of nutrients are obvious.

Fertilize with an N-P-K ratio approximating 5-1-4. Use

products containing mixtures of soluble and controlled

release nitrogen. Slow release nitrogen sources such

as Nutralene, IBDU, Polyon, Poly-S, ESN, or similar

products are products of choice. Straight soluble

sources should be avoided. Time applications for mid-

spring, early June, mid September, late October, and

mid to late December, depending on turf vigor and

appearance. On healthy turf, rates of 1 lb N/1000 sq ft

per application. Turf that is weak may require up to 2-3

lb N/1000 sq ft to achieve acceptable turf quality. The

actual rates and timing will vary and must be based on

observation and judgment. To generalize, 1 lb/1000 sf

per month or 2-3 lb/1000 sf of slow release every 60-90

days with reduced applications in winter months.

Nitrogen is the most important for promoting good turf

color and growth, however over fertilization of nitrogen

can lead to thatch buildup and an increase of irrigation

and mowing. Under fertilization of nitrogen results in

poor turf color and turf thinning, which then leads to

disease and weed problems.

Leaving grass clippings on the ground should mean

that there is little likelihood of seeing deficiencies in

phosphorous, potassium, calcium, sulfur and most

other nutrients.

Maintenance

Illustration from Southwest Florida Water Management Center

Illustration from Aquascapist.com

Signs of Nutrient Deficiencies


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RegrassingRegrassing is an important step in repairing areas of heavy wear.

Seashore paspalum was chosen for this field because it is well suited for high-intensity use and will grow

in quickly by the vegetative spread of stolons. Seashore paspalum was also selected due to high levels of

chloride found in the existing soil. Seashore paspalum is resilient to high chloride levels. The most effective

way to maintain a dense turf cover will be to hand broadcast and cap stolons on heavy wear areas. When

use destroys turf completely and grades are ruined by wet weather play, plan on tilling and grading affected

areas and regrassing rather than simply hand broadcasting stolons in these instances. Stolons will need to

be capped with good soil/compost and kept moist (not wet). Alternatively, a small section near the sidelines or

preferably off-field can be used to harvest plugs of grass. These plugs will then be installed at 4”-6”spacing in

the wear areas and kept moist. Do not allow use of the regrassed area for one month after planting to allow

grass to reestablish.

Application rates:General stolonizing = 15 Bu/ 1000 sq ft

Plugs for wear areas = 4-6” spacing

Illustration from University off California Agriculture & Natural ResourcesOverall plant structure of Seashore Paspalum


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AerationAeration is an extremely important measure that is necessary to alleviate the numerous problems caused by soil compaction.

Soil compaction is one of the major problems at Kapolei Elementary School’s playfield. Soil compaction

is the process of increasing the density of the soil by packing the particles closer together which reduces

the volume of air. In ideal conditions, soil should be a mixture of 25% solid matter, 25% water, and 50%

pore space (air). As compaction alters these ideal conditions, it squeezes the air out of the upper root

zone, destroys channels for air and water movement, and it leaves no room for air exchange, water

absorption, fertilizer absorption, or drainage. Even as pore spaces decrease by 10% the turf noticeably

suffers. Turf will grow slowly and short, and eventually thin which allows for weeds and thatch buildup.

The number one cause of soil compaction is traffic, which includes pedestrian and athletic play as

well as machinery used to maintain the field, namely mowers. Water is also a major contributor to soil

compaction. Between the water applied to the field by irrigation or precipitation and foot traffic, soil

compaction at this field is inevitable.

It is important to note the signs of soil compaction and to treat it early. Look at areas that receive

the heaviest traffic and continual play, such as the center of the field and the goals. You might spot

puddles of water that remain on ground level, water runoff, uneven turf growth, little or no root growth,

and soil resistant to a spade. Fertilizer will not compensate for the restricted root growth that leads to

these problems because soil compaction halts the fertilizer from reaching the roots, wasting time and

money, as well as environmental degradation from fertilizer running into adjacent streams. The easiest

and fastest treatment is aeration.

Ideally, core fields 2 to 3 times per year to a depth of 4”-6” with conventional 0.75” hollow tines. At a

minimum, aerate the field once annually. Sweep up cores, drag and mow cores, or use a core pulverizing

machine to break up cores. Leave the cores on the ground because it creates the opportunity for the

grass roots systems to acquire the nutrients, water and air essential for growth. Seeding after aeration

will produce excellent growth and any compost will settle into the holes adding fertility to the soil. Time

coring for late June to early July, in mid August before fall sports begin, and at the end of the season

if the field is firm enough to drive on. Do not core under wet conditions, more damage than good will

result.

Maintenance

IDEAL-Lower bulk density-Lower weight-More pore space

COMPACTED-Higher bulk density-Higher weight-Less pore space

Illustration from Forestryimages.org

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On this field, with heavy clay soils and a history of poor drainage, consider substituting vertidraining during

the June period when the field can be given some time to regenerate afterwards. Set vertidrain solid tines to

a depth of 4” to 6”.

Proper aeration can be one of the most beneficial practices to loosen compacted soils in a heavily trafficked

turf field. Soil compaction is one factor that leads to thatch buildup. Loose soils allow the roots systems to

penetrate deeper into the soil and become stronger in the instance of fighting disease or drought. Loose soils

also absorb water easily which in turn decreases runoff. Fertilizers and pesticides are also absorbed better

in looser soils. Runoff mixed with fertilizers and pesticides applied on compacted soils contaminate adjoining

bodies of water and are less effective because they aren’t absorbed into the soil it they were applied to.

Earthworm activity is also promoted by having healthy soils.

Soil compaction at KES playfield

Illustration from Carolina Organic Lawns


Images from Ki Concepts LLC

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TopdressingTopdressing is an excellent way to level out your playing surface and to begin building a uniform layer of organic soil conditioner with gypsum into the turf root zone.

Frequent topdressing application (<1/4”) of organic compost with gypsum will help prevent development of

excessive thatch. The organic compost in the root zone will help make the turf more resilient to the sharp turning

foot traffic, work towards improving compaction and soil drainage, and over time can help reduce player injury.

Ideally, this field should be topdressed 3-4 times a year (minimum twice a year due to heavy year-round use)

at 0.25” per topdressing will require approximately 270 to 360 cu yd. of organic compost. For this field with its

heavy clay soil, apply gypsum at a rate of 25lbs/1000 sq.ft. with the topdressing of organic compost. Gypsum

helps break up the clay to aid in drainage.

Results are promising if you can sustain a program for at least three years, otherwise it is not much good.

Sporadic heavy topdressing will do more harm than good. Topdressing is a labor intensive endeavor and must

be limited to light layers over time. Again, it is stressed that involvement beyond school maintenance staff will

be required to implement all of these recommendations.

Maintenance

Photo from Informedfarmers.com

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Other practicesOther practices besides those provided by the Department of Education Facilities Maintenance staff and Kapolei Elementary School are always helpful. These common sense practices include:

a. Field rotation. Use of a separate practice site for unnecessary heavy cleated practices, or avoiding

practicing in the same spots with the same activity on any field. Schedule Kapolei Elementary

School’s major maintenance activities (vertical mowing, aeration, top dressing, and regrassing) to

occur on half of the field while allowing regular use on the other half.

b. Watering properly and using the field at the right times. Wet play is extremely hard on the turf grass.

Weigh the importance of using the wet field to the damage that will be done.

c. Pull weeds when you see them and before they seed.

d. Report unauthorized/inappropriate sportsfield use to school authorities.

e. Generally foster a culture of stewardship for school facilities.

Do not disregard these practices because of lack of equipment or skilled operators. It is these turf culture

practices that begin to separate out the quality fields from the rest and what we should strive to provide for our

children. Form a field stewardship committee driven by faculty, students, alumni, and parents to tap into local

resources that have this type of equipment and expertise. Your local golf course superintendant is an excellent

resource for professional turf care advice and possibly for specialized turf care equipment. Think outside of the

box and look beyond the limited time and budget constraints of your school staff to maintain a good field.


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Image from Ki Concepts LLC

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Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘aina i ka ponoThe life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness


Documents

Best Management Practices for Kapolei Elementary School Playfield