Outline of the Completed Research

Facility Engineering



Study on turf courses: Development of an antifreeze agent for turf courses
(2006-2008)

 A search was made via the patent literature search system to ascertain the present situation concerning antifreeze agents, but no antifreeze agents that are safe for plants could be found. Therefore, chemical agents were selected from the formulae found in patent literature, existing antifreeze agents, antifreeze liquid, etc., and their influence on Italian rye grass was surveyed at a -10C antifreeze concentration. As a result, it was eventually possible to make a patent application for four types of chemical mixture by combining two different agents. Furthermore, on studying the mixing ratios of three or more chemical agents in detail, it was possible to develop two mixtures as antifreeze agents for turf that are even safer and more effective on Italian rye grass than the mixtures mentioned above. Meanwhile, as a dedicated device for spreading antifreeze on turf courses, a lightweight antifreeze spreader that can spread antifreeze evenly over large areas of turf in a short time was developed.

Studies on turf tracks: Trait characterization of Zoysia japonica variants (2003-2006)

Purpose
 Winter overseeding (W.O.S.) was first introduced in the Hanshin and Nakayama Racecourses in 1992. Since then, there has been a growing demand for base Zoysia japonica that can coexist with W.O.S. and has traits that differ from the growth conditions conventionally required of single-seeded tracks (such as quick recovery after W.O.S. removal work, and germination of imported grasses in the autumn). Meanwhile, the various racecourses have different meteorological conditions and race schedules. Therefore, we studied the growth properties of 449 strains of Zoysia japonica that are preserved and growth-managed in ERI test fields, with a view to adapting them to the different purposes of Zoysia japonica in the various racecourses (W.O.S. and single seeding). The results will be used as basic material for selecting the base Zoysia japonica that is suited to W.O.S.

Results
 1. We used a total of 68 strains, consisting of 51 strains of Zoysia japonica preserved by the ERI test fields, as well as 7 strains of Zoysia matrella preserved by the ERI test fields, 4 strains of Zoysia japonica from Tsukuba, Awara, Kanoya and Gotenba used on turf tracks, 6 commercially marketed strains (El Toro, Tsukuba Green, Himeno, Asagake, Asamoe and Hayato), and finally a new grass variety (Equineturf) registered in the JRA. For these, we evaluated the speed of runner growth in the first year after planting followed by a visual scoring survey over three years starting in the second year, and mainly surveyed the growth characteristics of these strains as turf by measuring the dry weight and number of the various organs of the grass.
 2. We evaluated the speed of growth of runners in the first year after planting according to increases in the growth index (measurement of number of squares, 10_10 cm) and covering ratio (average covering ratio of each square). As a result, strain No. 232 showed the most conspicuous growth. However, on subsequent evaluation of turf quality, seven of the top ten strains with the quickest growth received low evaluations, as well as receiving low evaluation for divot recovery. It therefore became clear that evaluation according to the speed of growth in the first year after planting, as has been customary in most surveys until now, is not necessarily appropriate.
 3. In the visual scoring survey, 16 strains were characterized as strains with good grade, adding 1 strain to the 15 strains with good grade judged until 2005. This was a strain for which evaluation has improved since 2005.
 4. In a growth survey conducted by digging out the various organs of Zoysia japonica, the dry weight of Zoysia japonica tended to increase over each of the three years, revealing that it was still in the growth phase. Moreover, the characteristics of the strains with good grade were revealed by the dry weight of underground parts rather than by the number of erect stems.
 5. On investigating the strength of divot recovery, this was found not to reflect the growth volume of runners in the first year after planting in 2003. While strains with good grade tended to show quick recovery, some other strains also showed quick recovery strength.
 6. The strains with good grade included some that showed exceptionally low shear resistance, and as a characteristic of these, the tendency for runners to be imbedded deep underground was suggested. From these results, it was thought possible that they are equipped with advantageous conditions for mixed planting of Zoysia japonica and cool-season turf grass (Italian ryegrass).

Studies on maintenance method for new Polytrack (2004-2006)

Purpose
 In a track property survey conducted between 1997 and 1999, Polytrack (PT) was found to be promising as an all-weather training course material that can help prevent injuries to racehorses. However, some issues remained unresolved, such as how to prevent the compaction of base-course asphalt concrete that causes a reduction in drainage functions, how to dispose of PT material, and so on. Now, a new generation Ecotrack (ET) material, improved by changing the material composition from PT material to new Polytrack (NPT) material, has appeared on the market. The aim of this study was to investigate the properties of this NPT material.

Results
 1. In an investigation of environmental impact, the following substances exceeded Ibaraki Prefecture Pollution Control Regulations in some cases, depending on conditions: suspended matter in water and heat extraction fluid of the materials used; extraction material of n-hexane; copper; and phosphorus. However, the other pollution control items were within acceptable standards, and we proved that even those that exceeded the standard values were diluted to below those values through convergence of effluence from the Miho TC as a whole.
 2. On investigating methods of waste disposal, etc., we proved that incineration in intermediate treatment facilities and landfill in final disposal facilities were possible in both Training Centers. However, the cost of transportation, incineration and disposal proved to be high at around 50,000 yen per ton, and therefore further study is needed in this aspect.
 3. Continuing from last year, we conducted indoor tests in the warm-up paddocks at both Training Centers. These included 1) observation surveys, e.g. observation of surface and base-course after use for training, 2) weight falling tests, 3) density tests, 4) permeation tests, 5) tests for measurement of sand thickness in situ, and 6) grading tests. (PT was modified to NPT at Miho TC in 2004 and to ET at Ritto TC in 2006.) As a result, 1) Permeable sheets should be laid on base-courses that lack such sheets, since those base-courses were nearly all in a non-permeable state. 2) While the various test data showed little change from last year, time-lapse changes in properties were seen as a result of contamination with extraneous matter, management, etc. Also, tracks at Miho TC were being managed more rigorously than Ritto TC (NPT material). 3) There is no particular problem with the method of maintenance and management currently employed (such as removing extraneous matter, repairs to unevenness, a depth of around 5-7cm, and light rolling compaction).
 We also obtained basic data necessary for an NPT recycling system. Namely, we were able to select a surface active agent that can separate the wax that bonds silica sand to electric wire coating tube (granu). Nevertheless, problems still remained with the treatment of waste fluid after separation. Finally, as deterioration indices to determine the timing of modification, it was possible to use the increase in minute grain, the increase in suspended substances and the decrease in saturated hydraulic conductivity.

Survey of the soil moisture behavior of turf tracks (2004-2006)

Purpose
 Automatic sprinklers are commonly used to water turf tracks, with the timing and volume of sprinkling being dictated by past experience. There is, however, no clear justification for the timing and volume of water sprinkling. We therefore measured the soil moisture behavior of turf tracks using the pF value, which is closely related to the water absorbency of plants, to obtain basic data for more efficient methods of watering.

Results
 1. To achieve efficient watering management of turf tracks, we need to make accurate measurements of soil moisture and at the same time clarify the relationship between the growth of Zoysia japonica and soil moistuTDB file &mク count columnbad_password_countlogon count columnunknown 6 columnunknown_6tableSELECT %s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s,%s FROM %s WHERE %s = '%s'DELETE FROM %s WHERE %s = '%s'sql_query_updateUPDATE %s SET INSERT INTO %s ( WHERE %s = '%s' VALUES (%s/SourceCache/samba/samba-59/samba/source/passdb/pdb_sql.csql_account_config_validPlease specify both a valid 'user sid column' and a valid 'username column' in smb.conf /SourceCache/samba/samba-59/samba/source/rpc_client/cli_lsarpc.ccli_lsa_lookup_sidscli_lsa_lookup_sids(): out of memory cli_lsa_lookup_namescli_lsa_query_info_policyun