This case study evaluated four shallow profile turfgrass systems as distinct scenarios with respect to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) standards for football pitch performance. The systems consisted of sod on plastic (1.5-inch sand rootzone), over a nonwoven geotextile fabric and a modular subbase. Scenarios were defined as a rooted non-stabilized baseline (Reference), a non-stabilized turf simulating recent installation (Uprooted), a previously used rooted non-stabilized turf, and rooted turf reinforced with artificial fibers and backing (Stabilized). The objective was to determine whether systematic differences existed in volumetric water content (VWC), surface hardness, ball rebound, and rotational resistance across repeated weekly measurements.
Treatment effects were detected for VWC, surface hardness, and ball rebound, whereas rotational resistance did not differ significantly. The Stabilized treatment maintained a lower VWC and greater surface hardness and ball rebound than the non-stabilized treatments. The Reference and Transplant treatments were generally similar, while the Uprooted displayed softer conditions and lower rebound. These findings indicate that shallow profile systems can differ in performance, but interpretation must account for additional systematic differences rather than attributing performance differences to a single factor. Future work should isolate reinforcement, rootzone composition, and rooting progession to determine the primary drivers of sustained playability in shallow profile turfgrass systems.
These findings indicate that shallow profile systems can differ in performance, but interpretation must account for additional systematic differenes rather than attributing performance differences to a single factor. Future work should isolate reinforcement, rootzone composition, and rooting progression to determine the primary drivers of sustained playability in shallow profile turfgrass systems.