In order to obtain a usable lawn in the shortest possible time, so-called completion maintenance is necessary. Measures include irrigation, pruning and thinning. After sowing, the soil structure must be kept moist during dry periods. With a young plant height of about 30 - 50 mm, a starting fertilisation with 6 - 8 g/m² pure nitrogen is required. For this purpose, for example, a combination fertilizer is used, from which you can find the fertilizer directory for sports field and landscaping (FLL 2009).
Mowing: The first lawn cut should be made at a growth height of about 60 - 80 mm and a cutting height of 40 mm, depending on the growth progress at intervals of 1 - 14 days. The mowing of the sports turf surface after this time is carried out at a height of between 60 and 90 mm to a cutting height of 35 mm, during the vegetation period at intervals of 5 - 14 days, taking into account the growth height. Outside the growing seasons, the pruning interval is extended according to the slowed growth, resulting in 15 - 30 prunings per year. The clippings should be picked up and driven away, except in the case of newly created sites. Otherwise, the turf base layer can become too soft due to earthworms and lose shear strength. Only in the case of newly created fields with a DIN-compliant layer structure can it make sense to leave the clippings on the site in order to enrich the turf base layer and reduce the fertiliser application.
Nutrient supply: An annual examination with soil samples is a prerequisite for the sensible use of fertilisers. These soil tests should be carried out at the end of winter, as nutrients, bases and salts are leached out, especially in the winter half-year. If the pH value has dropped over the winter, lime can also be applied immediately. Fertiliser recommendations are available from the "Association of German Agricultural Research and Research Institutes" (VDLUFA). Soil samples sent in are examined by the responsible LUFA, and the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, salt and pH value is particularly important for a sports turf. The time of fertilisation depends on the appearance of the deficiency symptoms: If the lawn takes on a light colour, this can indicate a nitrogen deficiency. Potassium deficiency leads to reddish discoloration that spreads from bottom to top on the stalk. If the pH value is too low, gaps and herbs can form in the lawn cover, in which case lime should be applied. As a rule, fertilization is applied 3 times a year: depending on the weather, in March/April, in early summer and in the second half of August.
Source: bauwion
