Managing Healthy Sports Fields: A Guide to Using Organic Materials for Low–Maintenance and Chemical–Free Playing Fields

The most complete guide to ecological turf management Turf managers face growing restrictions on their use of chemical controls by local, regional, state, and in some cases federal regulation or banning. Managing Healthy Sports Fields offers modern turf managers a variety of alternative methods to chemical treatments that effectively control a wide variety of pests, weeds, and diseases. Every alternative method is easily adaptable to existing maintenance programs, regardless of specific field type, climatic zone, or appearance. The nonchemical control methods presented in this accessible guide promote the safety of people and animals, and don’t jeopardize the sustainability of the land. In addition, every turf manager can implement these strategies without sacrificing the lush, green turf they strive to cultivate. In most cases, these alternative methods have encouraged healthier turf. Written by an industry leader with nearly two decades of experience, Managing Healthy Sports Fields includes: Maintenance methods for and advice on all sports fields, including soccer, football, baseball, and lacrosse Realistic steps to managing with earth–conscious sensibilities Chemical–free alternatives for soil fertility and pest control Dozens of helpful illustrations and tables Managing Healthy Sports Fields is an essential volume for managers and superintendents of sports fields and facilities who want to reduce and cease using chemical fertilizers and pesticides while growing high–quality turfgrass.

Acknowledgments. Introduction. About the Author. Chapter 1. The Soil Ecosystem. Chapter 2. Fertility. Chapter 3. Compost. Chapter 4. Analysis. Chapter 5. Pests. Chapter 6. Cultural Practices. Chapter 7. Simplicity versus Stability. Sources and Resources. Glossary. Index.

PAUL SACHS is the founder of North Country Organics, a Vermont–based supplier of natural land care products, and Ecological Turf Consultants, a consulting firm that provides solutions for clients who want to reduce or eliminate chemical applications on golf courses, sports fields, or other expanses of turf. One of the foremost authorities on organic land care, he has authored four books and hundreds of articles, and speaks regularly at association conferences for professionals involved in both agriculture and horticulture.