Relationship between soil condition and turf state in schoolyards in the northeast area of Chiba prefecture

Abstract

To make clear the soil condition suitable for the growth of turfgrasses in school grounds, the relationships between actual soil conditions and turf states were surveyed in public elementary- and junior high-schools in the northeast area of Chiba prefecture. The turfgrass species used were Zoysia japonica, Z. matrella and Cynodon dactylon×C. transvaalensis “Tifton”, as monoculture or in those mixture. The loamy soil of the schools located in inland region tended to have higher silt . clay ratio, higher organic matter content, higher pH and lower water permeability, as compared to the sandy soil of the schools located in coastal region. Weed invasion degrees were higher in former schools, but without bare ground. From a standpoint of preventing turfs from baring and accepting weed invasion, approximate soil conditions recommended for the turfs of school grounds are as follows; 25-40% silt·clay ratio, 2-5% organic matter content, pH6-7, and 0.1-1.5×10^-3cm/s water permeability.