When plating a field or fairway, the entire area is capped with the new soil.  Capping depths can vary greatly, but are typically in the 4” to 12” range.  Capping materials can range in gradation requirements from a USGA sand (or similar) to a loamy soil.   It is sometimes necessary to use straight sand, while other situations may allow for high amounts of gravel or silt and clay. 

The proper plating material and soil depth for any particular project is dependent upon the drainage design and performance requirements.  When sub-surface drainage systems are being used, a sand based soil is necessary.  For areas with steep slopes, or areas with water retention issues, a heavier soil may be necessary.  Available local materials and costs are also very important factors when selecting plating materials.

Sports Fields

Sand capping of sports fields is often used as the sports field construction method because of cost advantages over a ‘USGA-type construction’.  Plating of a sports field is usually performed under specifications detailed by a sports field designer.  We consulted with Chuck Dixon of CR Dixon & Associates to get some input on typical sand cap designs (editors note: in a previous millennium Chuck worked for Turf Diagnostics & Design).  Mr. Dixon says “a 6 inch plating depth is typical for the sand cap type of construction.  Higher rainfall climates w/cool season grasses may be require sand depths up to 8” and may also require the incorporation of an amendment (such as peat).”  Deeper rootzone depth and amendment incorporation allow for better drought tolerance and a deeper water storage medium.   “This contrasts with warm season fields (such as Bermudagrass) where a 4 - 6” sand depth without amendments is more typical.   4” fields always get reinforced.“  Reinforcement is achieved by adding polypropylene fibers to the rootzone.  The fibers aid in stabilization and increase the load bearing and shear strength of the rootzone.

When selecting a sand for sports field plating, a wider range of acceptable particle sizes is acceptable than for a USGA type field.  A  widely graded sand that isn’t too coarse is preferred.   Dixon says “the key properties to evaluate when selecting a good sand are a d50 from 0.3 - 0.4 mm  (size of the median particle) and a uniformity coefficient of 2.5 - 3.7.  Dixon also says “the type of drainage system is dependent on the use. Peripheral drainage with a good crown is acceptable for practice fields, while stadium fields or high use fields need laterals.

 Golf Course Fairways

While there are usually architect specifications to follow when selecting materials for sports fields, fairway plating is often performed without preset specs.  Thus, material selection is often dependent upon the goal of the capping project and availability of local materials. 

If  the golf course’s existing fairway soils retain too much water, then the proper plating material can be used to provide a drier soil.  In this case a sand similar to what we discussed for sports fields should be selected to allow for internal drainage and lateral flow of water. 

If the existing soil is very rocky or has some other native feature(s) that won’t allow for good turf growth, then the proper plating material can provide a soil more conducive to quality turf growth.  In these cases we are not necessarily searching for the perfect soil.  We are looking for a soil that will support adequate turf growth.  Depending on the site, acceptable soils can range from a loamy soil to straight sand. 

Fairway plating depths will depend on the topography of the land and the type of plating materials selected.  Finer soils typically require shallower capping depths than coarse sands.  Unlike sports fields, fairway plating depths may vary with the topography.  High spots or areas with steep slopes may require shallower soil depths.  Low spots and areas around catch basins usually require deeper depths.

Turf Diagnostics & Design’s testing services can help you to find the proper plating material, and be an important aid in determining optimum soil depths.  Typical tests performed include soil texture (particle size), infiltration rate, nutrients,  and water release characterization.  The particle size and infiltration rate tests are excellent tests for determining whether a soil is suitable for a particular application.  The nutrient evaluation and water release tests then provide information concerning plating depths and maintenance needs.

Turf Diagnostics & Design is accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation.  We are audited by A2LA on a biannual basis. 

We are participants in the USGA Proficiency Testing program.  This program requires participating labs to perform quarterly testing of rootzone materials, with test results evaluated for accuracy and precision by an independent auditor.   Our laboratory consistently receives excellent scores on the audits and proficiency test samples.

All labs are not equal!  When you use Turf Diagnostics & Design, you can be assured you are receiving the highest quality data.   

If you want a testing lab that works hard to provide the best service in the industry, please contact Sam or Duane at:

Turf Diagnostics and Design, Inc.

613 E. 1st St.

Linwood, KS  66052

Phone:  913-723-3700

Fax:  913-723-3701

Web:  www.turfdiag.com

Email:  turfdiag@turfdiag.com

Electronic Reports are better than faxes!

Turf Diagnostics and Design provides reports electronically via email or internet.  Electronic reports can be printed on your own printer, and they look great.  They even include our letterhead and electronic signatures.

If you have access to the internet or an email address, you can have secure access to your lab data.  Give us a call or send us an email, and we’ll get you set up.

SandFinder.com is the place to find information on rootzone products.>Rootzone construction recommendations, bunker sand guidelines, product information, and more can be found at www.sandfinder.com

Send mail to turfdiag@turfdiag.com with questions or comments about this web site.
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