Performance of Zoysia and Axonopus compressus Turf on Turf-paver Complex under Simulated Traffic

Vehicular traffic on turf results in loss of green cover due to direct tearing damages to shoots and indirect long-term soil compaction. Protection of turfgrass crowns from wear injuries by physical or cultural measures could increase the ability of turf to recuperate from heavily trafficked areas. Interlocking plastic turf-pavers have been installed in heavily trafficked areas to support turf establishment. Each paver comprising lattice of cells and spaces is designed to reduce soil compaction and to protect turfgrass crowns from wear damages. The objectives of this study were to evaluate performance of turfgrasses (Zoysia matrella and Axonopus compressus) and soil (high, medium, and low sand-clay mixtures) combinations on turf-paver complex under simulated traffic. The performance of turf under traffic and recovery was evaluated based on percent green cover determined by digital image analysis and spectral reflectance responses by FieldScout^® NDVI-meter. Two consecutive field trials were conducted in 2014 at CUGE Research Station, Singapore. The soil/grass combinations were subjected to 40 passes of wear and compaction treatments by a studded-roller machine for 4 weeks. Bulk density cores obtained from the cells (4 cm depth) indicated significant increase in soil compaction from medium and low sand-clay mixtures. No significant increase in soil compaction was observed from high sand-clay mixture. Higher percent loss of green cover was observed from A. compressus (30% to 40%) than Z. matrella (10% to 20%). Spectral reflectance 850nm and NDVI ratio showed high correlation (r > 0.80) with percent green cover in both grasses. All the spectral indices at 7 DAT (days after treatment) and 28 DAT showed higher sensitivity in detecting traffic wear damages than percent green cover data. Both turfgrasses perform relatively better on high sand-clay than low sand-clay mixture as inferred by spectral response data. 5% to 10% increase in percent green cover was observed from Z. matrella and A. compressus turf after three weeks of rest (recovery). Turf recuperation was also supported by positive spectral responses. Effective establishment of turf on turf-paver complex entails a wea-tolerant grass, Zoysia matrella on high sand-clay soil mixture.