Sod farming or turf grass has been doing the rounds of the internet and it’s time we talk about it. What is sod grass and why has it been gaining so much popularity lately? Today, we’re going to be getting into the nitty-gritty of it all.
What Is Sod?
Sod grass/ Turf grass is intensively cultivated grass that is directly removed with a small amount of soil cover and planted onto the target field. While planting new grass- directly sowing seeds is an option but sod is a better option. The transplanted grass instantly forms a grassy cover and does not require intensive cultivation after that.
What Are the Benefits of Sod?
Transplanting sod grass has a number of benefits. The first benefit that it brings is that it does not require intensive irrigation afterward as seeded areas do. It does require some amount of irrigation but for a shorter duration than that of seeded areas. Moreover, with sod, the grass can be transplanted at any point in the growing season, unlike seeding, which can happen only during specific periods. There are also decreased chances of failure as compared to directly sown grass.
Aside from the obvious, mowed grass also prevents infestation by rodents, snakes, and other little pests who prefer longer, overgrown areas for their habitats. It also has environmental benefits. Turf grass forms a soil cover that helps prevent erosion from both wind and water. The extensive root system of the sod also enriches the soil with humus in the deeper layers when it decays.
Moreover, the extensive grass cover provides transpiration cooling. It traps carbon dioxide, dust, and pollutants, ensuring that the air around is cleaner. Moreover, during photosynthesis, it releases large amounts of oxygen. The dominance of turf grass prevents excessive weed growth- thereby preventing allergen-causing pollen from floating in the nearby air. It also has an aesthetic appeal- making recreational places look more attractive. For commercial purposes, turf grass also hikes up real estate prices.
How to Choose a Plot for Sod Farming?
The optimum soil for growing sod is sandy loam. Muck or organic soils can support the growth of sod, but the output is substantially lower. Sod that is grown on clay or heavy ground is exceedingly difficult to harvest because it becomes too heavy when wet and too hard when dry. Since sloped soils can induce erosion of seeds and seedlings, land topography should be flat or hardly undulating. To avoid winterkill, pick a well-drained location. Lower places usually dry out more gradually.
How Much Capital Investment is Required in Sod Farming?
Starting a sod farm requires a significant financial outlay. The sod farm's land and equipment purchases come at the highest expense. To make deliveries to consumers on schedule, some specific equipment is required. The bare minimum equipment required to run a sod farm is a sod cutter, skid steer loader, tractor, plow, planting drill, mower, roller, fertilizer spreader, and delivery truck. Irrigation equipment such as general sprinklers is also required. One also needs experts and skilled to semi-skilled workers for this venture.
A sod operation demands rigorous management, significant financial investments, and sound commercial judgment. The manufacture of sod entails a variety of dangers. However, a well-managed sod firm in the correct economic context has the financial efficiency to stand on its own by reducing input costs and delivering a quality product.
