When taking a soil profile, it is also a good idea to examine the soil particle size. First take a composite of the entire rootzone, dry the soil and pass it though a set of sieves for analysis. Compare your results to the established sports field construction specifications to determine your soil particle size. Also, if you notice and different layers in the soil profile, they may warrant running separate sieve analysis on each section. Analysis for compaction and shallow roots.
Compaction is probably the biggest problem on athletic fields.
Their small size and permanent boundary lines only make these problems worse. Compaction problems are often worsened by poor soil conditions as was examined in step two. Compaction will create problems because the soil becomes so hard that grass roots cannot penetrate and grow. This will also cause water and fertilizer to run off hard soils. To determine if compaction is a problem you can use a Turf-Tec Penetrometer.