EFFECTS OF WEAR AND TURF PROPERTIES ON PLAYING QUALITY FOR SOCCER

Turf structure and composition, as well as soil humidity, compaction and texture, might influence the quality of the playing surface. To evaluate the relationship between the main playing quality components, the soil profiles and turf characteristics, 9 case studies were analysed over a 2 year period. Ball/surface characteristics (ball rebound resilience and ball roll) and player/surface characteristics (as surface traction) were assessed together with turf composition, ground cover, stem density, sward height and hydraulic conductivity. Temporal variation in playing quality was also considered comparing winter and spring surveys. Measurements took place on professional grounds in 4 different areas of the pitch with different wear intensity. Ball roll was positively correlated with wear intensity. Roll distance was 6 to 36% higher in goal area compared to corner area, and 160 mm lower for each 1 mm of sward height (range 18-38 mm). Ball rebound and surface traction were mainly correlated with ground cover and tiller density. Traction was positively correlated with ground cover and particularly with tiller density. Root density and plant growth habit influenced traction. Lolium perenne pure stands had lower traction than in mixture with Poa pratensis or compared to Festuca arundinacea/Poa pratensis mixture. The results have emphasized the need to maintain pitch evenness through frequent soil aeration and decompaction.