% Turf for Airports A definite ])lace in aviation is conceded tcu turf. Regardless of how large the expanse- whether all over or simply a background"' for hard surface runways—turf is in the picture and it behooves airport operators to study approved methods of making and maintenance. Drainase Important Drainage, g r a d i n g, seed bed preparation a nd fertilization are among the early construction problems to be met. Provision should be made to carry away surface water quickly. Grass does not thrive on stagnant water or in water- logged soils. Furthermore the field that can be used with perfect safety after heavy rains is the well drained field. Grass grow- ing is a science and the problem of proper and adequate drainage is a problem for so- lution by a drainage expert. . . I ~ Lonsiderations The site for an air- port is u s u a l ly se- lected by virtue of accessibility and cost per acre. The type of soil that is in evidence cannot be consid- ered. Very often the bulk of the acreage has been in meadow for years—no fertiliz- ing done and the ground overrun with moss and sour grass—evidences of soil impover- ishment. Such conditions cannot rightly b e ^^ expected to produce a hardy, vigorous t u r f ^^ no matter what kind of seed is sown. Grass must be fed and a good foundation for v j ^ V A V A V A V A V A ^ ^ y At r A? ^ r A' ^ ' ' A' ^ v^ r A V f A . V A Y r ^ A V A ' '. ^ t k ' V y ir I • • grass growing should be laid just as you would prepare a foundation for asphalt, concrete or brick. The turf fields which are outstanding successes today are those not hastily conceived but actually built from the ground up. Poor soil was improved by the replacing of the absent plant food ele- ments, and the mechanical condition rem- edied by the application of manure, sand, or whatever is needed. turf Preliminary Feeding When is once established it is im- possible to get phos- phoric acid, one of the essential grass foods, down into the soil. Consequently a complete plant food with this element predominating should be worked into the ground prior to seeding, generally speaking, a 4-12-4, mean- ing four units each of nitrogen and potash and twelve of phosphoric acid. Applications should be made at the rate of from 500 to 1000 pounds per acre. Rotted manure when available should be used freely. Its humus content is very valuable. j V ^ h en to q Time of seeding is also quite important. In m o st s e c t i o ns early fall, between August 15th and Sep- tember 15th, is best. New grass will then root deeper in preparation for cold weather, the weeds are not so troublesome, while warm fall rains and cool nights are just what grass likes. Another tendency of fall is to stool or tiller out thus sown grass forming a thicker, more compact turf.' These points are entitled to consideration in all turf production but particularly for airports where hardiness and close knitting are most desirable. f o u nd irport orasses Among the varieties Suitable AL i~ of grass which have suitable b e en for airport turf are the following: Ken- tucky Blue Grass, Red Top, the Fescues, Chewings, Sheeps and Meadow, Orchard Grass, English Rye Grass, the Bents, and Timothy. Several of the clovers have also proven satisfactory in the airport mixture since they are legumes and have some fer- tilizing value in addition to growing thickly and having a good root system. White clo- ver, Alsike and Red Clover are the only varieties to be considered while in the south Japan Clover or Lespedeza is frequently used. Turf fields of longest standing have as their basis Kentucky Blue Grass, native to most localities and a hardy, long lasting grass, good to look at and easy to maintain. In extremely sandy soils it is less effective than Chewings Fescue. • L ' lv W e e c| n Because of their te- nacity and hardiness certain w e e ds a r ej being used experimentally, their definite value not having yet been established. Of these weeds the most commonly discussed are Yarrow and Quack Grass. Seed of the latter is quite rare but Yarrow is a culti- vated crop in several foreign countries as the seeds have some medicinal value. Yar- row plants have a coarse, tough root while the leaves are fern-like and often lie flat on the ground, thus tending to prevent dirt and dust from rising. Rate of Seeding S e e d i ng of a n ew port should be at the rate of one hundred pounds per acre although seeding will suffice if the field is not to be used for a year. In order to seed a large area evenly, a seed seed drill or wheelbarrow grass sower will be found most convenient. lighter There is much to be learned about grass for airports. Turf ports that have proven unsatisfactory have usually been those con- structed haphazardly and without consider- ation to the essentials of good grass grow- ing. When aviation is as old as golf and the same scientific practices put into effect on airports as in golf course maintenance, turf will be the apple of the aviator's eye. O . M. Scott & Sons Co. Marysville O h io Consult us about your Turf Problems m