A Review of Better Lawns By H. B. Sprague 1940
A little while ago, I started to review some older sports turf text books and like the books the review was getting a little dusty, so I’ve decided to share it with The Turfgrass Post.
While historically insightful, some might say that a good deal has changed in the sports turf industry since and they may be out of context. Nevertheless, these are worthy reads for any student of sports turf and provide good background knowledge. For the first review, here is a brief overview of the 1940’s Better Lawns technical textbook. The author, Dr. Howard Sprague, worked at Rutgers University as Professor of Agronomy, in 1974 he was awarded the prestigious USGA Green Section Award, and is noted as instrumental in starting the University Turfgrass program, as well as a pioneer in the study of Poa annua and the cultivation of acid soils for fine turf.
The 200 page book contains impressive turfgrass technical knowledge for the time. Many ecological principles that cross into sportsturf management are abundant.
Here are my notes I made on my first read: Excessive amounts of nitrogen fertilisers, stimulate top growth to the expense of root development, close mowing restricts root development. He discusses how bentgrass can withstand mowing below 1-inch, but root development is restricted and so too is the health. Close mowing in the spring time is also mentioned and deplauded; as close mowing in the spring is identified as particularly harmful, since root development is limited by removal of top-growth leading to the grass being limited to utilise soil resources for the growing season. Close mowing is also mentioned as restricting root development, ability to obtain moisture and nutrients from the soil, and the capacity to withstand heat, drought, disease and insect attacks. The limited root growth of putting greens, bowling greens, tennis courts and is the reason such careful management is needed in contrast to the lawn.
Initial heavy seeding, produces such competition between the plants, that there is little opportunity for any to develop strongly, until many have died in the struggle. This accounts for slow development of vigorous healthy sod, in comparison with thinner sowing rates.
Sprague more or less concludes his discussion with a master stroke- For continued vigour and growth, three essentials are identified as fundamentals- 1) adequate leaf area to receive sunlight 2) supply of adequate moisture 3) a supply of carbon dioxide. By Controlling the mowing height, in turn controls the leaf area, and adequate root development and soil moisture levels. Thirdly carbon dioxide is abundant and inexhaustible in the atmosphere.
What a fine concise message to take away. Three simple statements that pin all the principles together. And you only have to remember the first two! I’m sure this technical manual for the time was a precursor for the outstanding Turfgrass Science and Practice By J. Beard of 1974.
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