Quality Difference of Zoysia japonica and Z. matrella Playgrounds by Human Compaction Intensity before and after Spring Green-up in School Playground Conditions

Ki-Dong Kim1   Jeong-Ho Lee1   Seog-Won Chang1,*   

1Dept. of Golf Course Management, Korea Golf University, Hoengseong 25249, Korea

Abstract

Natural turfgrass playgrounds have been suggested as an alternative to bare land or artificial turf grounds for its excellence in user safety, nature friendly space, and environment control function. However, natural turfgrass playgrounds, though having many benefits and a high preference, are limitedly used at schools because of the burden of turfgrass care. In this study, playground quality by human compaction before and after spring green-up of Zoysia japonica and Z. matrella in school playground conditions were evaluated for the expansion of natural turfgrass playground and its efficient use. Human compaction was applied for three weeks by an adult of 70 kg for 10 minutes, under the condition of no compaction, once, three times, and five times per week in Z. japonica and Z. matrella field. Soil hardness of both Z. japonica and Z. matrella field significantly was increased as more compaction frequency, and it showed obviously under the condition of more than 3 times per week. When the compaction stopped, the soil hardness tended to decrease. Ball rebound height of both Z. japonica and Z. matrella fields was significantly increased as more compaction frequency. Coverage rate and shoot density of Z. japonica and Z. matrella decreased significantly as more compaction frequency. But after human compaction was stopped, the green-up progressed quickly. In general, during the spring green-up period, the Z. matrella tended to be less affected by the human compaction than Z. japonica.

Figures & Tables

Fig. 1. Weather conditions (DMT: Daily maximum temperature, DmT: Daily minimum temperature, and precipitation) of April (A) and May (B) 2019 in Hoengseong, Gangwon.