Pesticides and Playing Fields
Myth 1: Organic turf management puts fields “at risk”
Opponents, or uninformed turf managers, claim that organic management will put the fields
at risk for disease and weed infestation, however, in a Cornell University study of turf,
chemically maintained turf is more susceptible to disease. The reason was found to be very
low organic matter content and depleted soil microorganisms.
Myth 2: Organic athletic fields are not “safe” and cause more injuries
This myth often preserves dandelions and tufts of plants that children may trip on. But organic
practices can ensure control of unwanted plants in the turf. Moreover, these injury claims are
not substantiated. The safety of a field is not dependent on whether there is an organic versus
chemical-based maintenance program, any turf that has an irregular surface can lead to falls or
twisted ankles. In fact, chemical turf is generally hard and compacted because there is not
much soil biology (life in the soil). Organic management focuses on cultural practices, such as
aeration, that alleviates compaction and provides a softer, better playing surface.
Myth 3: Organic fields always have clover problems
Excess clover is an indicator of the soil condition. Clover is found in fields with low nitrogen
levels, compaction issues, and drought stress. It is an issue in large patches because it can be
slippery when wet. However, clover is a beneficial plant that “fixes,” or transforms, free
nitrogen from the atmosphere into the turfgrass. Clover roots are extensive and provide
significant resources to soil organisms, and it is extremely drought resistant, staying green
long after turf goes dormant.
Myth 4: Organic turf management is prohibitively expensive
This is another unsubstantiated, anecdotal statement by many naysayers, but when asked for
hard and fast budget numbers to prove these claims, they aren’t available. Most municipalities
do not have accurate figures on the costs of their chemical programs. The question really is -
What is the cost of NOT going organic? What is the cost of exposing developing children to
known cancer causing, endocrine disrupting, and asthma triggering chemicals where they
play for long hours?
Myth 5: Organic fields need to be rested
Once again, this is not a chemical versus organically-managed field issue. All fields ideally
should be rested for recuperative growth. Athletic activity naturally tears up turf from the soil,
especially football, leaving open areas for opportunistic weeds to grow. Prepping the area and
spreading a repair mixture of compost and seed that quickly establishes as soon as possible
will fill in the area and negate the need for herbicides down the road.
Opponents, or uninformed turf managers, claim that organic management will put the fields
at risk for disease and weed infestation, however, in a Cornell University study of turf,
chemically maintained turf is more susceptible to disease. The reason was found to be very
low organic matter content and depleted soil microorganisms.
Myth 2: Organic athletic fields are not “safe” and cause more injuries
This myth often preserves dandelions and tufts of plants that children may trip on. But organic
practices can ensure control of unwanted plants in the turf. Moreover, these injury claims are
not substantiated. The safety of a field is not dependent on whether there is an organic versus
chemical-based maintenance program, any turf that has an irregular surface can lead to falls or
twisted ankles. In fact, chemical turf is generally hard and compacted because there is not
much soil biology (life in the soil). Organic management focuses on cultural practices, such as
aeration, that alleviates compaction and provides a softer, better playing surface.
Myth 3: Organic fields always have clover problems
Excess clover is an indicator of the soil condition. Clover is found in fields with low nitrogen
levels, compaction issues, and drought stress. It is an issue in large patches because it can be
slippery when wet. However, clover is a beneficial plant that “fixes,” or transforms, free
nitrogen from the atmosphere into the turfgrass. Clover roots are extensive and provide
significant resources to soil organisms, and it is extremely drought resistant, staying green
long after turf goes dormant.
Myth 4: Organic turf management is prohibitively expensive
This is another unsubstantiated, anecdotal statement by many naysayers, but when asked for
hard and fast budget numbers to prove these claims, they aren’t available. Most municipalities
do not have accurate figures on the costs of their chemical programs. The question really is -
What is the cost of NOT going organic? What is the cost of exposing developing children to
known cancer causing, endocrine disrupting, and asthma triggering chemicals where they
play for long hours?
Myth 5: Organic fields need to be rested
Once again, this is not a chemical versus organically-managed field issue. All fields ideally
should be rested for recuperative growth. Athletic activity naturally tears up turf from the soil,
especially football, leaving open areas for opportunistic weeds to grow. Prepping the area and
spreading a repair mixture of compost and seed that quickly establishes as soon as possible
will fill in the area and negate the need for herbicides down the road.
