Sand topdressing in turfgrass management: insights into organic matter control and soil health

A study on an annual bluegrass putting green suggests that consistent sand applications reduce organic matter by dilution, forming a mat layer that impacts soil and plant health. The findings highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of organic matter dynamics beyond simple content thresholds.

​Sand topdressing, the application of a thin sand layer over turf, has been a cornerstone in turfgrass management for over a century, originating at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland. This practice is pivotal for enhancing root zone physical properties, supporting robust root systems, and mitigating soil compaction in high-traffic turf areas. A significant advantage of using unamended sand is its role in preventing excessive organic matter, or thatch, accumulation. However, debates persist regarding the sufficiency of topdressing alone in organic matter control, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of its long-term effects.

A review (DOI:10.48130/grares-0024-0028) published in Grass Research on 23 January 2025 by Ruying Wang’s team, Oregon State University, suggests that organic matter dynamics in turfgrass systems are more complex than previously thought, requiring adjustments in cultivation practices to maintain a balance between soil health and playability.

In a three-year study on an annual bluegrass (Poa annua) putting green, researchers investigated the impact of sand topdressing on organic matter dynamics. The study revealed that consistent sand applications effectively reduced organic matter content by diluting thatch and forming a mat layer. This mat layer not only integrates organic material but also contributes to soil carbon sequestration. Additionally, the practice was found to enhance turfgrass health, leading to increased organic matter accumulation at the soil surface. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring topdressing programs to align with the specific growth patterns of turfgrass in various climates. The historical data indicate that topdressing plays a crucial role in organic matter management by forming a protective sand layer, improving surface conditions, and enhancing root zone properties. However, inconsistencies in application methods across different eras and locations underscore the need for further research into optimizing sand texture, rate, and frequency for sustainable turf management. The findings reinforce the importance of a balanced approach that considers factors beyond organic matter thresholds, such as soil infiltration, root health, and surface firmness, for effective turfgrass maintenance.

In summary, sand topdressing plays a crucial role in managing organic matter within turf systems. The study’s findings highlight the practice’s effectiveness in reducing thatch and promoting soil health. However, the research also emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of organic matter accumulation and its implications for soil and plant health. Future turfgrass management strategies should consider factors such as layering, root health, water infiltration, and surface firmness alongside organic matter content to optimize cultivation practices.

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References

DOI

10.48130/grares-0024-0028

Original Source URL

https://doi.org/10.48130/grares-0024-0028

Funding information

The case study presented in this review paper was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Multistate project 0206183 through the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Hatch Multistate project NJ12294. Additional support was provided by the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science, United States Golf Association, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey, Tri-State Research Foundation, and New Jersey Turfgrass Foundation.

About Grass Research

Grass Research (e-ISSN 2769-1675) is an open access, online-only journal focused on mechanistic aspects of biology of grasses with broad international and disciplinary interests. Research papers and review articles published in Grass Research represent significant advances in the mechanistic understanding of the genetic, genomic, molecular, cellular, biochemical, and physiological processes and pathways involved in plant growth and development, as well as interactions with the environment and other organisms, and cultural management practices. Original research and review articles will also cover the development and application of new emerging methodologies and technologies in plant biology, such as gene editing, "Omics", non-invasive imaging, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. Grass Research also publishes editorials and perspectives for expressing opinions on a specific issue or novel insights about existing research on a particular topic.