pismonque
Bury me in Orcadian peat
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2009
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My guess is nitrogen levels are low causing roots to grow on the thinner layer of the surface vs. down. Weather is too cold to fix, they will lay more of a sand and gravel mixture to shore up loose field, this will fill in the cracks if you will...nothing can be done until the spring with early spring with a different treatment for roots to grow thicker and in a downward pattern. Personally I would spread manure early February, that stuff will be thicker than shag carpet........but that is me![]()
Another source said the field has been so treacherous and slippery, UT has taken plays out of the playbook for fear they cant execute them on a subpar surface.
Also, Im told, that a slippery surface can lead to more muscle strains and ankle injuries.
from Tennessee acknowledges issues with field at Neyland Stadium | WNML-AF
I'm not sure manure would help. For about 3 years Dooley spread it all over the field and the grass is still crappy. (Pun intended)My guess is nitrogen levels are low causing roots to grow on the thinner layer of the surface vs. down. Weather is too cold to fix, they will lay more of a sand and gravel mixture to shore up loose field, this will fill in the cracks if you will...nothing can be done until the spring with early spring with a different treatment for roots to grow thicker and in a downward pattern. Personally I would spread manure early February, that stuff will be thicker than shag carpet........but that is me![]()
Many friends and neighbors use the turf care guidelines outlined by the UT Ag department, and they have the nicest lawns around. They know their stuff. It's unfathomable why they are not consulted for the grass on SWF.
There are always two sides to everything especially when it comes to the timing of things.
A few huge things that are different now than before CBJ is the practice in August for the public, more closed practices than before, and numerous recruiting days during the summer where there is a head coach that expects the surface to be in game shape with paint and all the fixings. That isn't always what is best at that time of the year especially considering the time aeration is done.
I am not siding with the grounds crew here but things aren't as simple as they seem IMO.
At that time of the year it shouldn't matter that much. I mean you have games on Sat & Sun in Miami, Tampa, Pitt, Philly. UT's field doesn't get that much usage to look as bad as it does.
From 1994-2010 it was never a problem. What has changed since then? That's your problem.
