Shade effects on overseeded bermudagrass athletic fields: II. rooting, species composition, and traction

Shade from athletic stadium structures can be a significant detriment to turfgrass performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of shade on rooting and playing surface stability, measured as traction, on overseeded or non-overseeded bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) turf. An experiment was established in 2013 on a mature bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. cv. Riviera] turf that was either overseeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) or non-overseeded. Shade structures were installed to create four light level treatments, including 0%, 30%, 60%, or 90% light-reducing shade cloth. The light treatments resulted in average daily light integrals (DLI) of 40.8,…