DESIGNER ROOTZONES      “A viable option given proper evaluation?”

 The high tech world that moves around us is continually striving to become more efficient and specialized.  While this train of thought is most often associated with computers and other high tech applications, it is finding its way into the turf industry as well.  The new “high tech” form of rootzone construction has become known as “designer rootzones”.  While the term “designer rootzones” sounds innovative and technical, its actual definitions is any rootzone that is not a standard USGA or inverted filter rootzone design.  While this new concept in rootzone construction is exciting and needed, there is the necessity for adequate scientific validation of any designer rootzone design and its components through proper performance testing.

 While the USGA testing protocols are both necessary and useful, they apply only to inverted filter rootzone designs, i.e. sand/peat layer over a gravel layer.  Because of the inability for this testing protocol to adequately simulate in vivo conditions of designs other than the USGA design, Turf Diagnostics and Design has developed a testing protocol that will allow for proper testing of any rootzone design.  This new protocol, which uses water release curve technology, helps reduce the risk of rootzone failure.

 The new technology employed in this testing allows the testing agent to make educated and sound recommendations.  These recommendations can range from defining the necessary rootzone depth for a given material, to pinpointing the necessary rootzone components needed to satisfy a certain design.  Therefore, by defining parameters other than the typical values, we are able to better assess the risk of failure or success for a certain design given certain components.

 It is essential to realize that with any type of high performance rootzone, there are inherent risks.  These risks may be elevated with any new or unproven rootzone design.  While the use of “designer rootzones” may ultimately lead to a better, more site specific construction design, it is essential that all parties protect themselves through adequate testing.  Through proper testing, the testing agent should be able to outline the potential risks prior to any large investment of time or money.

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