SOCCER PITCHES PERFORMANCES AS AFFECTED BY CONSTRUCTION METHOD, SAND TYPE AND TURFGRASS MIXTURE

During winter, soil compaction and slow turf recovery are the main causes for loss of soccer pitch quality. Sandy materials are commonly used to reduce compaction and improve drainage. Internally porous volcanic sand can provide better growing conditions than silica sand due to higher water holding capacity and nutrient retention. Festuca arundinacea is well adapted to Italian climatic conditions and its increased use could improve the quality of sports fields in the Mediterranean area. In a field trial six construction methods, two sandy materials and two cool-season turfgrass mixtures were compared under simulated winter usage. Results showed a progressive increase in ground cover and water infiltration rate according to the following ranking in the complexity of the design: undrained native soil - drainage systems - sand based profile. Soil amendment was not effective in improving drainage. Higher values of ground cover were observed for the mixture containing tall fescue. Good playing quality was recorded for each of the construction method, sand type and turfgrass mixture. Porous sand produced a lower bulk density in the top layer of the rootzone. Festuca arundinacea and porous sand appear as promising tools in sport fields construction.