Field Notes from Fort Worth: My Experience at the SFMA National Conference
Attending the SFMA National Conference was an incredible professional development experience. The opportunity to learn from industry leaders, tour world-class facilities, and connect with peers nationwide provided both practical knowledge and renewed inspiration. I returned with new ideas, innovative strategies, and a deeper appreciation for the science, planning, and dedication required to maintain high-performing sports fields at every level.
~By Douglas Johnson, Grounds & Pest Control, Escondido Union School District - 2026 Conference Scholarship Recipient
Stadium Tours, Turf Science, and Networking: My SFMA Conference Experience
Attending the SFMA National Conference in Fort Worth, TX was a great opportunity and experience for me. Touring the five different stadiums/facilities gave a unique opportunity to see operation and logistical challenges that different sites face, many of which we share in some manner at our own facilities.
~By Jeremiah Catarius, Gardener/Grounds Crew Leader | Facilities Services, San Diego City College - 2026 Conference Scholarship Recipient
The Mathematics of Irrigation
To understand the basic mathematics of irrigation, it is best to start with a few concepts related to the application of water to the surface area of the land. The first concept is that of the “acre-foot.” An acre-foot (ac-ft) of water is the amount of water required to cover one United States (US) acre (43,560 ft2) to a depth of 1 foot. This is a standard unit used by engineers and others who deal with water as part of their job.
Aeration: A Foundational Practice for Sports Fields
If there’s one thing that all sports field managers utilize on a regular basis, it’s aeration. Of course, there are a lot of considerations, techniques and timing issues to contemplate for each field. It could be said that everyone does it – it’s just a matter of how and when, and which other practices might be involved.
Give Your Soil Some Fresh Air
Many sports fields and parks have not seen the same amount of usage this year because of health concerns. This situation, which can bring many challenges, also gives turf managers a unique opportunity to do more involved projects to promote the health and conditions of their turf. One of those maintenance practices is aeration.
How Do You Grow Thick Green Sports Fields with Less Water, Labor, and Costs?
Everyone wants thick green sports fields, but water is limited and expensive, labor is your biggest expense, fertilizer and chemical costs are sky high, and your budget is limited. How do you do it in today’s economy? It’s simple to do, and we are helping many struggling sports fields with small budgets and no hope.
Fertilizer Math
For expert insight into fertilizer application and rates, SportsField Management interviewed Christopher S. Gray, Sr., golf channel manager, professional fertilizers at LebanonTurf, and Steve Harris, manager, golf national accounts and sports turf at SiteOne. Click “read more” below to see their responses.
Cultural Practices to Improve Traffic Tolerance
Athletic field traffic management. This topic can cause an argument faster than politics at Thanksgiving. But it is the focus of sports field management at all levels. The playability (traffic tolerance) and aesthetics (traffic recovery) are likely factors in every turf management decision and have become more important as interest in athlete and field safety increases.