Fraise mowing impacts soil physical properties of bermudagrass surfaces

Abstract

Fraise mowing has traditionally been used as an aggressive cultural practice for bermudagrass thatch management in golf and sports turf settings. Despite expanded applications, its effect on edaphic characteristics has yet to be thoroughly explored. The objective of this research was to evaluate physical properties of two soil types beneath established Tifway hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis Burtt. Davy) following fraise mowing. A study was conducted during the summers of 2016–2019 on a Cecil sandy loam (loam) and a sand-capped soccer field (sand) in Wake County, NC. Three fraise mowing depths of 0.6, 1.2, and 2.5 cm, and an untreated control were administered in mid-June of each year. Thatch content decreased by 18%–50% after fraise mowing. Divot resistance measured within the sand rootzone decreased by ≤24% with increasing fraise mowing depth and the removal of roots, rhizomes, and stolons. Saturated hydraulic conductivity in the sand decreased by 0%–57% with increasing fraise mowing depth compared to the control. Surface hardness increased ≤53% with 1.2- and 2.5-cm fraise mowing depths with differences more pronounced in the loam (≤28 g_max) compared to the sand (≤6 g_max). At saturation (0-cm pressure) and field capacity (100-cm pressure), water content decreased by 9%–18% and 5%–10%, respectively, with increasing fraise mowing depth in the sand. Results indicate fraise mowing did alter soil physical properties in both soils and increasing fraise mowing depths increased the effects.