What process involves adding sand to a field through top-dressing and aeration?

The process of adding sand to a field through top-dressing and aeration is best described as sand-based fields. This approach is used specifically for enhancing the characteristics of the existing soil by improving its drainage, aeration, and overall playability. Sand-based fields are designed to reduce compaction and improve surface stability, which allows for better water infiltration and root growth.

Top-dressing involves the application of a thin layer of sand or a sand-soil mixture, while aeration creates openings in the soil to facilitate the movement of air, water, and nutrients to the root zone. The combination of these practices aids in establishing a more conducive environment for grass growth and can significantly enhance the turf’s resilience to various stresses, making it highly suitable for sports use.

In contrast, options like soil cultivation, drainage improvement, and surface leveling, while related to field maintenance and enhancement, do not specifically emphasize the addition of sand as their primary focus. Soil cultivation involves processes like tilling and mixing, drainage improvement focuses on managing water flow through the field, and surface leveling aims at creating an even playing surface, none of which uniquely emphasizes the specific role of sand in the maintenance process.