Product Manual

5
you are testing the same field over time and comparing the shear strength, it is
recommended that a Turf-Tec Moisture Sensor also be used to insure that soil moisture is
in the same range each time you test that particular field. Worn areas should be tested and
compared to non-worn areas to see the difference in shear strength between these areas.
Use the new Turf-Tec Shear Strength Tester with cleats to be sure your players are
wearing the right cleat for that field. Take the guess work out of choosing the correct
cleat and let science determine the best choice.
Uses
The Turf-Tec Shear Strength Tester is not only useful in determining what types of cleats
to wear before play. In addition it is useful in testing the strength of the turfgrass root
system and the ability to resist wear.
New Sod
The Turf-Tec Shear Strength Tester is also useful in testing areas that have been re-
sodded to be sure the sod is rooted down enough for play. Test the seam and corner areas
the most to insure safe footing.
Testing qualifications
The Turf-Tec Shear Strength Tester is designed to give an indication of what the
playability of an athletic field will be like. Turf-Tec does not guarantee cleat selection
will be the best for athletes, as the ultimate cleat selection depends on skill and ability of
each player.
Results and readings
Research has shown in general that readings as listed below are good general guidelines
for footing*, however, additional testing and research is being conducted. The Turf-Tec
Shear Strength Tester is also useful in testing areas that have been re-sodded to be sure
the sod is rooted down enough for play. Test the seam and corner areas the most to
insure safe footing.
10 Newton Meters or less* The minimum acceptable value since the
turf is easily torn under 10 Nm
Between 10 to 15 Newton Meters* Fair Shear Strength
Between 15 and 20 Newton Meters* Good shear strength
+ 20 Newton Meters* Exceptional shear strength
* Reference - J.C. Stier, Dep. of Horticulture, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI "Kentucky bluegrass grown under
reduced irradiance" 53706-1590; J.N. Rogers III, Dep. of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State Univ., East Lansing,
MI 48824-1325. Published in Crop Sci. 41:457–465 (2001).
Other References:
J.N. Rogers III, DV Waddington and J.C. Harper II, Penn State College of Agriculture Progress Report 393, Dec. 1988
"Relationship between Athletic Field Hardness and Traction, Vegetation, Soil Properties and Maintenance Practices"
J.C. Stier, Dep. of Horticulture, University of Wisconsin, Madison, McBee (1969) WI 53706-1590; J.N. Rogers, III,
J.R. Crum, and P.E. Rieke, Dep. of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
48824-1325. "Flurprimidol Effects on Kentucky Bluegrass under Reduced Irradiance" Received 8 Oct. 1998. Published
in Crop Sci. 39:1423–1430 (1999).
Turf-Tec Shear Strength Tester - TSHEAR2-M