1.1 This guide covers techniques that are appropriate for the construction of athletic field rootzones using native-soil. This guide is also applicable to soils which are not native to the site but are natural (non-sand) imported soils. This guide provides guidance for the selection of soil materials, amendments, and methods for use in constructing these types of athletic field rootzones. Soils having a texture of Sandy Loam or coarser should be utilized for soil-based rootzone construction. Soils which are finer textured than listed above may be employed for rootzone construction but should be sand-modified to meet the performance criteria of this standard. If fields are constructed with soils which are finer textured, they will not be capable of meeting the performance criteria in this standard. Despite performance limitations, fields which are constructed with finer textured soils (due to logistics or budget constraints) may still be able to conform to the slope/grade criteria (see 5.1, 5.4, and Table 1). Sand modified rootzone constructions are not addressed by this standard.

1.2 Decisions in selecting construction and maintenance techniques are influenced by existing soil types, climatic factors, level of play, intensity and frequency of use, equipment available, budget and training, and the ability of management personnel.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.

1.5 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.