Sports Management Q2 2011 - UUM

NATURAL TURF
Reinforcements in
natural turf pitches
Paul Flanagan, project manager at STRI, looks
at the pros and cons of the different types of
reinforced turf for pitch stability and playability
T
he quality of natural turf pitches
has improved tremendously in
recent years and, accordingly,
the expectations of stadia managers
and players continue to grow.
Similarly, these pitch improvements can
be attributed to a better understanding
and management of natural turf specifications,
as well as the introduction of
new turf technologies.
The modern natural turf reinforcements
are one of the key factors driving
the standards and tolerances of natural
turf pitches forward. The modern stadium
can create a heavily shaded static
microenvironment in which to grow a
pitch. Depriving grass plants of natural
light and reduced airflow across the
plant leaf can change the photosynthetic
rates from high to little to none.
And it’s in such environments where
natural pitch reinforcements greatly
enhance pitch stability and playability.
Hence the starting point for reinforcement
is the ability of the product to
stabilise the surface without grass cover.
The decision to install a reinforced
pitch relies on the answers to many
questions and differing scenarios, such
as the usage levels and expectations; the
The Kassam Stadium features
a XtraGrass carpet system
44 Read Sports Management online sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital
existing pitch specification and infrastructure;
the geographical climate and
the stadium microclimate. It’s generally
accepted that there is no one single
solution that can be provided to solve all
of the desirable characteristics required
from natural turf reinforcement.
In recent years there have been many
types of reinforcement technologies
utilised in pitches. Currently the most
common technologies are:
�� Fibre systems – where various types
of fibres and elastic material are
mixed into the soil homogenously and
natural grass is grown in.
�� Hybrid systems – where fibres are
injected or stitched into the surface
with the synthetic fibres proud on the
surface of the pitch, between which
natural grass is grown.
�� Filled carpet systems – where a carpet
backing supports the fibres, which
are in-filled with various products and
natural grass is grown in.
FIBRE SYSTEMS
Fibre systems involve the mixing of
polypropylene and, in some cases, natural
fibres with sand to create a reinforcement
matrix. The fibres interlock with the sand,
which the natural grass grows in. These
products have been improved in recent
years to allow for the addition of elastic
polyurethane fibres. These significantly
reduce hardness, improve stability and
improve grass cover retention. To place
and install the fibre on the pitch, specialist
installation and finishing is required.
Pros
�� Fast to install
�� Increases usage levels and stability
�� Non weather dependent on installation
�� Can be returfed
�� Can be installed on soil-based lowerquality
pitches
Cons
�� Higher maintenance than a nonreinforced
pitch
�� Intensive renovations needed yearly
�� Equipment needed for international
installations
�� Cannot be installed after the grass
is growing
�� Does not provide a green surface
when grass cover is lost
�� Surface stability is not as high as
some hybrid systems, so more
time is needed before play resumes
Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011