AN INNOVATIVE HYBRID NATURAL-ARTIFICIAL SPORTS TURF CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM: PLANT ESTABLISHMENT AND PLAYING CHARACTERISTICS

Third generation artificial turf pitches have long been the object of criticism due to their high abrasiveness, the high summer temperatures and their unpleasant rubber odour. On the other hand, natural turf pitches are not able to withstand the high play volumes currently associated with modern high-profile sports pitches and community sports pitches. An innovative hybrid natural-artificial sports pitch construction system was devised and tested at Pisa University. This system consists of a modified third generation artificial grass with organic infill on which natural grass is allowed to grow. In summer 2007 different natural turf establishment methods were tested on a trial area, while an 11000 m² pilot pitch was constructed. Seeded perennial ryegrass monostand proved to be the best establishment method. The pilot pitch was tested for playing quality parameters after over 200 h of play: most of these fell within both the FIFA standard requirements for artificial turf and generally accepted playing quality parameters for natural turf.