The goal mouths of a soccer field are where much of the action takes place. And because many games are won or lost on a goal’s doorstep, these highly-visible areas need to remain in great shape despite incurring the most foot traffic of any area of the pitch.

Field managers and coaches can take a few simple steps to ensure their field’s most important areas remain playable.

Weathering the elements

Dealing with the elements is an issue on every field at some point during a season. But issues with damaged turf can be magnified on a high-traffic area like goal mouths. Applying a porous ceramic field conditioner takes care of many problems brought on by rain. These field conditioners, like Field & Fairway^™ from Turface Athletics^™, absorb water quickly and protect existing turf to limit the damage incurred from consistent foot traffic. The ceramic particles also help promote seed germination when trying to reestablish a damaged goal mouth.

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Ideal field conditioners consist of small particles that cover the surface quickly and filter easily into the turf. Porous ceramic particles feature high absorption, often holding much of its weight in water — more than 90 percent with some conditioners — to eliminate slippery, muddy areas.

While ceramics are ideal when returning a wet patch of field to a safe and playable condition after a rain event, these conditioners can also act as a preventative measure prior to rain. Particles absorb rainfall to help minimize turf being torn up and muddy conditions from forming during the course of a game or practice.

Topdressing

Topdressing turf with a field conditioner is a standard practice by many field managers. Topdressing prevents damage to the crown of the grass plant that typically occurs on a field’s high-traffic areas, including goal mouths.

A conditioner can also be incorporated during aerification of a soccer field, filling the holes with porous, well-draining particles, permitting an exchange of water and air at the root level. This promotes a deep, strong root structure, which is necessary to handle the day-to-day abuse of athletic turf. It also prevents future compaction common around goal mouths that can accelerate a high-traffic area’s damage.

Topdressing can be done by hand or with a spreader — depending on the size of the area to be covered. A recommended rate for a product like Field & Fairway is 730 pounds per 1,000 square feet, or until there is about 1/4-inch of conditioner on the ground.

Overseeding

After the topdressing is applied, overseeding should follow on high-traffic areas. Ensure that you are using certified seed that is free of weeds.

Application rates vary by grass species. In general, spread seed mix at a rate of 10 to 12 pounds per 1,000 square feet. This should ideally be done with a slit seeder. It is essential to replenish the turf with proper seeding. Lightly overseeding on a regular basis throughout the season can help build up a ‘seed bank,’ through which you always have new germination taking the place of turf damaged from foot traffic. In areas at midfield and around the goals, an extra 1-to-2 pounds per 1,000 square feet can also be added to promote thicker grass growth in a shorter amount of time.

To learn more about preventing turf damage on goal mouths, visit www.turface.com.

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