by Joe Shermetaro and Lauren Kroll
With the weather playing such a big factor on the sport’s fields on Michigan State University’s campus, grounds crews are constantly trying to keep the fields in good shape.
McLane Baseball Stadium, MSU Home Field
When the winter months approach, and the fields begin to freeze over as snow covers them, there are extensive repairs and replacements that need to be made.
“Reviewing your field maintenance plan with your team before the cold weather hits is a major thing to take care of,” John Martinez of the MSU grounds crew said.
Leaving the fields untouched before the winter rolls around, could lead to rough playing fields come spring and summer.
“As of August 8, three-month precipitation deficits (since May 9) across the state range from 1 to 3 inches from central sections of Lower Michigan to more than 6 inches in southwestern Lower Michigan,” Professor John Anderson of the Geography department said.
Especially, in baseball and soccer, having a smooth playing surface could be a huge factor in a game. Keeping the soccer or baseball on the ground to roll smoothly is major to the sport.
“Playing third base becomes a mind game,” MSU baseball player Martinez said. “If the dirt is taken care of properly, it affects how I handle each situation.”
Martinez can remember many times when the fields weren’t treated correctly.
Michigan State soccer field
“First spring game of the year, last year I took a ball right off my shoulder that took a weird hop,” the 21-year-old senior explained. “If the field would have been right, that wouldn’t have happened I don’t think.”
When the plan to treating the field is thought out, Professor John Rogers of the Crop and Soil Sciences department believes being persistent is the next important issue.
“Aerating and fertilizing along with other practices are used in a persistent manner, almost like training an athlete, Rogers said. “This preparation allows the grass and athletic fields to get through stressful periods such as fall or winter.”
With the recent drought in the Lansing area, grounds crews also have to account for the lack of rain the fields got received this year.
“”Plant available soil moisture levels in the top 5 feet of the soil profile of this area are currently estimated by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center to remain from 1 to 5 inches below normal for this time of year,” Professor Anderson said.
