Fraise mowing and hollow-tine aerification impact bermudagrass surfaces

Fraise mowing and hollow-tine aerification are disruptive cultural practices that alter soil physical properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fraise mowing followed by hollow-tine aerification on soil physical properties in a Cecil sandy loam (loam) and a sand-capped soccer field (sand) beneath established ‘Tifway’ hybrid bermudagrass (C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis Burtt. Davy). Three fraise mowing depths (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 inches) and hollow-tine aerification were applied in mid-June in two consecutive years. Turfgrass quality (TQ), thatch-mat depth, surface hardness, and divot resistance were measured in both soils. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) was measured in the sand. All fraise mowing and hollow-tine aerification treatments resulted in unacceptable TQ for 2 to 6 weeks during the study. However, combining hollow-tine aerification with fraise mowing did not delay bermudagrass recovery. Thatch-mat depth decreased by ≥19% as fraise mowing depth increased but was unaffected by hollow-tine aerification. Fraise mowing did not affect Ksat; however, hollow-tine aerification increased Ksat by 54%. Surface hardness increased by ≤24% with increasing fraise mowing depths. Fraise mowing did not affect divot resistance in the loam. Divot resistance in sand decreased by 16 and 30% with the 0.5- and 1.0-inch fraise mowing depths, respectively. Hollow-tine aerification decreased surface hardness by 5% to 20% and divot resistance by 6% to 13%. When practiced concurrently, fraise mowing and hollow-tine aerification were complimentary and positively affected the soil physical properties in both soils.