Biophysical Effects and Ground Force of the Baldree Traffic Simulator

Biophysical Effects and Ground Force of the Baldree Traffic Simulator

ABSTRACT Traffic simulators are often utilized when researching turfgrass wear tolerance and recovery. However, the availability of a durable traffic simulator capable of producing dynamic force is limited. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to: (i) evaluate a novel traffic simulator wi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Crop science Vol. 53; no. 5; pp. 2239 - 2244
Main Authors: Kowalewski, A.R., Schwartz, B.M., Grimshaw, A.L., Sullivan, D.G., Peake, J.B., Green, T.O., Rogers, J.N., Kaiser, L.J., Clayton, H.M.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Madison The Crop Science Society of America, Inc 01-09-2013
American Society of Agronomy
Subjects:
Coastal plains
Field study
Loam soils
Soil density
Tillage
Traffic
Turf
Turfgrasses
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Summary:ABSTRACT Traffic simulators are often utilized when researching turfgrass wear tolerance and recovery. However, the availability of a durable traffic simulator capable of producing dynamic force is limited. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to: (i) evaluate a novel traffic simulator with improved durability and capable of producing dynamic force and (ii) evaluate the biophysical effects of the traffic simulator on a native soil turfgrass system. The Baldree traffic simulator is a modified Ryan GA 30 (Jacobsen, A Textron Company, Charlotte, NC) riding aerification unit, equipped with fabricated, spring loaded steel plate feet studded with screw in cleats. The effects of this unit on a ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy] system established on a Tifton loamy sand (fine‐loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Plinthic Kandiudults) were evaluated at the Coastal Plains Experiment Station, Tifton, GA. Factors included location (1 and 2) and traffic rate (0, 12, and 24 passes applied over a 6 wk period). Field data included soil bulk density, turf density, and percent green turf cover. An in‐ground force plate at the McPhail Equine Performance Center, East Lansing, MI was used to quantify vertical and net shear ground reaction force produced by the Baldree traffic simulator when operated in the forward and backward direction. The Baldree traffic simulator produced more cleat marks per pass than the Brinkman and Cady traffic simulators. At the low traffic rate the Baldree traffic simulator increased soil bulk density, while turf density and percent green turf cover decreased; therefore, the tool can be used to simulate heavy traffic conditions with a minimum number of passes.
Bibliography:All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Permission for printing and for reprinting the material contained herein has been obtained by the publisher.
ISSN:0011-183X
1435-0653
DOI:10.2135/cropsci2013.02.0118