39 Effects of Turfgrass, Cutting Height and Soil Conditions on Traction Andrew S. McNitt, Peter J. Landschoot and Donald V. Waddington The Pennsylvania State University 116 Agricultural Science and Industries Building University Park, PA 16802 USA Keywords: Pennfoot, athletic field, sports turf, wear, cutting height, verdure Abstract Studies have been conducted to determine the effect of various turfgrass and soil conditions on the traction of athletic field surfaces. With the development of a new traction testing device (Pennfoot), it is desirable to re-examine the plant and soil characteristics affecting traction. The objectives of this study are to: 1) determine whether tall fescue verdure and cutting height affects translational traction over differing soil water contents; and 2) determine the effect of varying soil water content on the translational traction of four turfgrass species each maintained at three cutting heights. The presence or absence of verdure had little effect on traction of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) turf. Lower cutting heights of tall fescue resulted in higher traction, presumably due to increased tiller density. As soil water content increased traction on tall fescue turf increased. Pennfoot detected traction differences due to species. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and tall fescue had higher peak traction measurements than perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and chewing and red fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. commutata and Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra). Traction measurements of tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and red fescue were all negatively correlated with soil water content; however, Kentucky bluegrass traction measurements were not correlated with soil water content. Both turfgrass and soil characteristics impart an influence on traction; however, traction on natural turf is controlled by their combined effects. Ideally, traction results obtained with instrumentation will correlate to player's assessments of traction. Such comparisons need to be made in the future. INTRODUCTION An athletic field surface should provide a level of traction that benefits the player's actions without causing excessive stress to joints or ligaments. On natural turfgrass surfaces the soil and plant constituents, rainfall, and management practices such as mowing and irrigation affect traction (Canaway and Baker, 1993). Researchers evaluating the effects of varying soil and turf conditions on traction have reported contradictory results. Gibbs et al. (1989), Winterbottom (1985), and Bell and Holmes (1988) found that traction was positively correlated with soil water content. In contrast, Baker (1991), Rogers et al. (1988) and McNitt et al. (1996) reported that traction negatively correlated with soil water content. Canaway (1983) found that annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) and tall fescue had lower traction values compared to creeping red fescue, with Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass being intermediate and variable. Canaway (1975) and McNitt et al. (1997) reported that creeping red fescue provided lower traction values than perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. McNitt et al. (1997) found that tall fescue frequently measured highest in traction compared to other species. Athletes have expressed the opinion that traction is improved on turfgrass maintained at lower cutting heights. Rogers and Waddington (1989) found no difference in traction values among various cutting heights on tall fescue. The investigators found that by removing the verdure, traction values decreased. Richards and Baker (1992) reported that under extreme grass lengths traction decreased with increasing verdure of perennial ryegrass. 1 st IC on Turfgrass Ed: P.A. Nektarios Acta Hort. 661, ISHS 2004