What does traffic intensity refer to in turf management?

Traffic intensity in turf management refers to the level of use affecting the health of the turf. This encompasses the impact of foot traffic or vehicular use on the turf’s condition. High traffic can lead to soil compaction, reduced infiltration of water and nutrients, and overall stress on the grass, which can lead to poor growth, decreased vigor, and an increased susceptibility to diseases. Understanding traffic intensity is crucial for managing and maintaining healthy turf areas, as it helps determine the appropriate maintenance practices needed to keep the turf resilient.

Other options relate to specific aspects of turf management, such as mowing frequency, watering needs, and fertilizer application, but these do not directly capture how usage affects the turf's health in the same way that traffic intensity does. Traffic intensity is uniquely focused on the wear and stress placed on the turf by physical activity, making it an essential factor to consider for turf health.