The Physicochemical Properties of Soil and Functional Characteristics of Sward on a Grass Airstrip

This paper presents the physicochemical properties of soil and functional characteristics of sward on a grass runway of the airport in Gryzliny near Olsztyn (NE Poland). Soil samples for physicochemical analyses were collected from the surface layer (5-15 cm), and the overwintering success, density, color, and overall quality of the sward at 12 sites were graded on a nine-point scale in 2010-13. Long-term operation of the airstrip influenced the physical properties (compaction) of the substrate and diversified the functional characteristics of sward. The soil was classified according to Polish Soil Classification 2011 as proper rusty soil, and it was classified according to IUSS Working Group WRB 2014 as Brunic Arenosol (Dystric). The evaluated soil had high content of organic matter determined as loss-on-ignition ranging from 17.3 to 18.5%, which is a typical feature of sod layers. The content of macronutrients (N-NO3, P, K, Mg) as well as selected micronutrients (Cu, Zn) was low. Nutritional status of the studied soil was caused by its sandy texture. The analyzed sward was characterized by moderate overwintering success, good density (in particular in fall), green and fresh green color, and satisfactory-to-good visual merit. The condition of the sward covering the runway was affected by the physicochemical properties of the soil as well as aircraft operations (take-offs and landings), applied management practices, and weather conditions during the study.