Search Results (52)

Polo is a high-speed equestrian sport that imposes mechanical demands on horses and turf, yet limited research has examined the functional behavior of polo playing surfaces. This study characterizes the spatial variability of mechanical surface properties across turf polo pitches representing high-, medium-, and low-handicap categories. Three fields were assessed using lightweight field-based instruments, including the Impact Test Device (ITD), Rotational Peak Shear (RPS) tester, Going Stick© for penetration (GSP) and shear (GSS), and a TDR probe for volumetric moisture content (VMC%). A total of 210–223 grid-based sampling points per pitch were analyzed to evaluate mechanical responses under vertical and horizontal loading conditions. Significant differences among pitches were observed, with ITD and VMC emerging as the indicators of surface behaviour. Spatial analysis revealed heterogeneous within-pitch patterns, expressed as directional gradients and localized variability. Linear discriminant analysis demonstrated that the combined measurements could differentiate pitches associated with different handicap levels with high classification accuracy (0.88). Although the applied instruments do not replicate full equine biomechanical loading, they proved effective in detecting spatial variability in surface uniformity, a functional property relevant to performance and equine welfare. These findings support integration of spatially explicit surface assessments into routine turf management practices. Full article

Rapid urban growth in South Indian coastal cities such as Chennai has intensified the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, with paved parking lots, walkways, and open spaces acting as major heat reservoirs. This study specifically compares conventional construction materials with natural and low-thermal-inertia alternatives to evaluate their relative ability to mitigate Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) effects. Unlike previous studies that examine isolated materials or single seasons, this pilot provides a unified, multi-season comparison of nine urban surfaces, offering new evidence on their comparative cooling performance. To assess practical mitigation strategies, a field pilot was conducted using nine surface types commonly employed in the region—concrete, interlocking tiles, parking tiles, white cooling tiles, white-painted concrete, natural grass, synthetic turf, barren soil, and a novel 10% coconut-shell biochar concrete. The rationale of this comparison is to evaluate how conventional, reflective, vegetated, and low-thermal-inertia surfaces differ in their capacity to reduce surface heating, thereby identifying practical, material-based strategies for SUHI mitigation in tropical cities. Surface temperatures were measured at four times of day (pre-dawn, noon, sunset, night) across three months (winter, transition, summer). Results revealed sharp noon-time contrasts: synthetic turf and barren soil peaked above 45–70 °C in summer, while reflective coatings and natural grass remained 25–35 °C cooler. High thermal-mass materials such as concrete and interlocked tiles retained heat into the evening, whereas grass and reflective tiles cooled rapidly, lowering late-day and nocturnal heat loads. Biochar concrete performed thermally similarly to conventional concrete but offered co-benefits of ~10% cement reduction, carbon sequestration, and sustainable reuse of locally abundant coconut shell waste. Full article

Progressive urbanization and increasing pressure on urban green areas necessitate the search for innovative, ecological, and efficient solutions for lawn management. The shallow root system of grasses, combined with a long vegetation period, makes these plants particularly sensitive to water and nutrient deficiencies. One research direction involves the use of zeolites, natural aluminosilicate minerals that, due to their porous structure and high sorption capacity, improve water retention and nutrient availability in soil. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different zeolite doses on the initial growth and development of two turfgrass species (Lolium perenne, Festuca rubra), as well as on selected lawn performance traits, and to determine the persistence of these effects over time. This research was conducted in 2020–2023 under pot and micro-plot experiment conditions, using mixtures containing the above species. Four levels of zeolite addition to the substrate were applied: 0% (control), 1%, 5%, and 10%. The results clearly confirmed the beneficial effects of zeolite. Its addition improved the germination, growth, and biomass yield of aboveground parts and roots, as well as enhancing turf aesthetics, ground cover, and winter hardiness, while reducing the proportion of dicotyledonous species. The best effects were obtained with the 5% dose, which should be considered optimal—it significantly improved lawn utility parameters with lower material input compared to the 10% dose. Species response varied: L. perenne responded more strongly to improved water–air conditions, whereas F. rubra utilized higher zeolite doses more effectively in root system development. The highest overall effectiveness was recorded with the 10% dose. Zeolite effectiveness was greatest in the first year after application, showing a declining trend in subsequent years, although a positive effect was still observed in the third year of use. The findings support the recommendation of zeolite as an ecological soil additive that enhances lawn quality and durability, particularly in low-fertility soils and under water deficit conditions. Its application may represent an important component of modern green space management technologies in line with the principles of sustainable development. Full article

Increased seawater temperatures and nutrient loading are stressors that affect coral reefs and their microbiomes. In this study, filamentous algae were collected and exposed to different temperatures and nutrient concentrations through a laboratory experiment. Microbial DNA was extracted and analyzed using amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. In total, 1 domain, 51 phyla, 131 classes, 335 orders, 549 families, and 1905 species were identified. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota were the dominant taxa reported. Elevated seawater temperatures and nutrient enrichment impacted microbial communities associated with turf algae under laboratory culture. Bacterial species diversity and abundance differed under different temperature and nutrient conditions. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were abundant in lower-temperature conditions, while Desulfobacterota, Spirochaetota, and Firmicutes were abundant in higher-temperature conditions. Ruegeria was abundant in low-temperature conditions, whereas Vibrio abundance was low. Regarding nutrient conditions, Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria were abundant under high-nutrient conditions, while Firmicutes and Desulfobacterota were abundant under ambient-nutrient conditions. The higher nutrient concentration increased the abundance of pathogenic bacteria, such as Vibrio and Photobacterium, while Pseudoalteromonas, which is beneficial for reefs, was present under ambient nutrient conditions. This study demonstrates that temperature and nutrient enrichment can shape microbial communities under laboratory conditions, providing an experimental setting for further studies of bacterial functions and metabolic processes in natural conditions under thermal and nutrient stresses. Full article

Soil surfactants are essential tools for enhancing irrigation water efficiency and improving the quality and functionality of amenity turfgrass. They play a crucial role in sports turf management by reducing soil water repellency, which helps prevent dry spots, ensures even moisture distribution, and supports water conservation efforts. Most research on soil surfactants and amenity turfgrasses focuses on their effects on soil moisture, infiltration, and addressing localized dry spots during drought conditions, with limited studies on their impact under wet or saturated conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of soil surfactants on the quality and health of turfgrass under wet conditions. Field studies were conducted over a span of five years, beginning in the USA in 2019 and continuing in Ireland from 2020 to 2023. The research in Ireland was conducted at three locations, each featuring different rootzones: a “push-up” green with loam soil, USGA-specification sand, and natural link sand. The site in the USA was a native loam soil. The study compared a commercial soil surfactant (ProWet Evolve; PWE) and a non-treated control (NT) in a randomized complete block design with four replications, with sequential applications starting in June and continuing until mid-September each year. The rootzone volumetric water content (VWC%), turfgrass quality, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were measured bi-weekly. Environmental conditions, with above-average precipitation each year, significantly influenced results. Although there were no significant or consistent differences in VWC% between the soil surfactant and NT-treated plots, turfgrass quality was significantly enhanced in the soil surfactant-treated plots and supported by higher NDVI values. Even in prolonged wet conditions with high VWC%, improved turfgrass quality was consistently observed in soil surfactant-treated plots across multiple locations in both countries over the five-year study period. Full article

While natural grass has been a reliable recreational surface for decades, artificial turf has gained popularity due to its durability, supposed ability to save water, and lower associated costs for municipalities and schools. Growing environmental and health concerns associated with artificial turf have prompted a necessary comparison of the environmental impact, chemical exposure, injury rates, surface heat, and costs of turf with natural grass. The township of Verona, New Jersey, engaged the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies’ Green Teams Program interns to perform an environmental impact assessment, literature review, and cost–benefit analysis to determine if the township should restore an aging artificial turf field in the town to natural grass. The environmental impact assessment revealed concerns regarding artificial turf’s high emission profile, microplastic pollution, lack of permeability, and the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Natural grass’ high water usage was also identified as a drawback. The literature review revealed safety concerns of artificial turf regarding temperature disparities and no conclusive results regarding differences in overall injury rates. The artificial turf field in this case study was 182% hotter than the natural grass field when measured by an infrared thermometer during mid-day readings in June. The cost–benefit analysis revealed that natural grass offers a lower long-term expense over a 25-year period. Artificial turf has many benefits; however, natural grass was the recommended option when considering environmental sustainability, reduced chemical exposure, lower surface temperatures, and overall cost. The conclusions may further inform policy decisions and support the adoption of environmentally responsible and health-centered practices for sports fields across municipalities in New Jersey and beyond. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lower extremity non-contact injuries (LE-NCIs) pose a significant burden on the National Football League (NFL), with ongoing debates regarding playing surface safety. The stressful college-to-professional transition period for rookies, which can include adapting to new playing surfaces, may influence injury susceptibility. This study aimed to determine whether the transition in a home stadium turf type (natural grass, artificial, and hybrid) from the final college season to the rookie NFL season impacts LE-NCI likelihood. Methods: A retrospective cohort study analyzed 826 first and second-round NFL draft picks from 2012 to 2024. Data on college/NFL home surfaces (defining six transition types), position group, college training surface access, and rookie season LE-NCIs were collected from public sources. Competing risk analysis was used to estimate the cumulative LE-NCI incidence. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the association between turf transition and LE-NCI risk, adjusting for position, draft cohort, and college training access. Results: During their rookie season, 21.2% (175/826) of players sustained an LE-NCI. Skill position players had significantly higher adjusted odds of LE-NCI compared to hybrid players (AOR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.20–2.97; p = 0.006). No specific turf transition category showed a statistically significant association with LE-NCI risk compared to the Grass-to-Grass reference in adjusted models. College training surface access was also not significantly associated with risk (AOR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.65–1.45; p = 0.874). Cumulative LE-NCI incidence reached 33.1% by season end, with risk accelerating between weeks 4 and 10. Conclusions: Home stadium turf-type transition from college to the NFL was not significantly associated with LE-NCI risk in this rookie cohort, suggesting that surface transitions may not be a primary risk factor during the professional transition period. However, our analysis revealed significant position-dependent injury patterns (skill players: AOR = 1.88) and a temporal clustering of injuries between weeks 4 and 10, indicating that rookie LE-NCI prevention strategies should prioritize position-specific interventions and enhanced monitoring during the early- to mid-season high-risk period rather than surface transition-based approaches. Full article

Bermudagrass is a warm-season turfgrass commonly grown in drought-prone areas. Harnessing natural genetic variation available in germplasm is a principal strategy to enhance its resilience to drought stress. This study was carried out to assess the comparative performance of bermudagrass hybrids under drought conditions and their subsequent recovery following the drought period. A total of 48 hybrids, including 2 commercial cultivars, ‘Tifway’ and ‘TifTuf’, were established under optimum growth conditions in the greenhouse and then subjected to drought stress by withholding irrigation for four weeks. The dry-down experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Turf color, visual quality, and active spectral reflectance data were collected weekly and used to assess the health and vigor of the hybrids during progression of the drought stress for four weeks and through recovery after rewatering. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the hybrids for color, visual quality, and spectral vegetation indices. A multivariate analysis grouped the hybrids into drought-tolerant with full recovery after rewatering, moderately tolerant, and susceptible to extended drought stress without recovery. These results showed the prevalence of genetic variation for drought tolerance and proved instrumental in the development of bermudagrass cultivars resilient to drought stress and improved water use efficiency. Full article

The worldwide adoption of artificial turf in sports facilities and urban landscapes, alongside the systematic transition from natural grass and soil-based grounds, has raised growing concerns about its contribution to the significant source of nano- and microplastics in ecosystems. This review examines current knowledge on the mechanisms of nano- and microplastic generation from artificial turf systems and their environmental impacts. Combined mechanical stress, ultra-violet radiation, and weathering processes contribute to the breakdown of synthetic grass fibers and infill materials, generating particles ranging from nanometer to millimeter scales. These nano- and microplastics are detected in drainage systems and surrounding soils near sports facilities. Laboratory studies demonstrate that artificial turf-derived nano- and microplastics can adversely affect soil microbial communities, aquatic organisms, and potentially human health, through various exposure pathways. While current mitigation approaches include hybrid turf, particle retention systems, and improved maintenance protocols, emerging research focuses on developing novel, environmentally friendly materials as alternatives to conventional synthetic turf components. However, field data on emission rates and environmental fate remain limited, and standardized methods for particle characterization and quantification are lacking. This review identifies critical knowledge gaps, underscoring the need for comprehensive research on long-term ecological impacts and highlights the future goal of mitigating nano- and microplastic emissions from artificial turf systems into the ecosystem. Full article

Synthetic turf has become a popular alternative to natural grass due to low upkeep costs; however, its health impacts have not been clearly elucidated. This review examines and consolidates the existing literature on rubber crumb in infill in synthetic turf and its associated adverse health outcomes, along with recommendations for future research. A database search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar of studies on exposures to rubber crumb in infills in synthetic turf. The search focused on epidemiological and toxicological laboratory studies (including exposure simulation and animal studies), as well as government reports. Non-English studies and those addressing injuries (musculoskeletal and burn injuries) were not considered. Eighteen laboratory studies examined concentrations of PAHs found in synthetic turf rubber infill. The total level of PAHs detected in samples varied between 0.4 mg/kg and 3196 mg/kg. The PAH levels were influenced by the age of the synthetic turf, with the older synthetic surface fields containing lower concentrations (compared to newly laid turfs). Synthetic turfs composed of industrial rubber crumb infill also had a lower PAH composition relative to end-of-life tyre-derived infill. In the six studies that investigated the metal content and composition of rubber crumb infill, Aluminium (5382 mg/kg), Zinc (5165 mg/kg), and Iron (489.6 mg/kg) had the highest median concentrations. There were minor differences in heavy metal concentrations found in newly installed synthetic turf compared to older turfs and synthetic sporting fields exposed to direct sunlight (versus indoor fields). There were two epidemiological studies on synthetic turf rubber crumb infill (one ecological and one cross-sectional study), which found no significant associations between synthetic turf exposure and the incidence of leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Similarly, one metabolomic study of urine samples from athletes taken pre- and post-match on synthetic turf, and two studies simulating dermal, ingestion, and inhalation exposure concluded that there was no elevated health risk associated with playing on synthetic turf pitches. Currently, there is very limited evidence of an association between synthetic turf use and adverse health outcomes. Considering the ubiquitous use of synthetic grass globally and the scarcity of epidemiological studies, there is a vital need for further research based on longitudinal study designs and more robust exposure assessments, to help improve our understanding of any potential health risks associated with synthetic turf infill exposures. Full article

This study aimed to identify differences in match running performance (MRP) on artificial turf (AT) and natural grass (NG) among female football players. The players’ MRPs (AT; 96 observations, NG; 80 observations) were obtained from all matches (n = 22) of the First Slovenian women’s football league in the season 2023/24 using a global positioning system. Data were categorized into four subsets according to the players’ tactical roles: central defensive player (CD), wide defensive player (FB), midfield player (CM), and offensive player (OF). The variables included total distance (TD), high-intensity running (HIR), high-intensity accelerations (HIA), and decelerations (HID). Results indicated that (i) CDs (Cohen’s d (d) = 0.93) and CMs (d = 1.07) covered significantly greater TD on AT compared to NG, with (ii) no significant differences in TD among FBs and OFs. Additionally, (iii) similar HIR, HIA, and HID values were found for players on all playing positions, irrespective of the pitch surface. These findings suggest that overall match intensity remains consistent between surfaces, but that AT may impose a higher physical demand regarding match volume for CDs and CMs. Therefore, the physical condition of these players should be a major consideration when playing on AT. Full article

Spillways can present a way to control the overflowing of water during flood events and prevent damage from levee breaches. With increasing interest in nature-based solutions, the interaction between flow and vegetation parameters has to be understood. Aeration usually occurs during the overflow of sloped spillways, leading to the bulking of flow, alterations of flow characteristics, and energy dissipation. The influence of the vegetation parameter on aerated flow characteristics has not yet been investigated in greater detail; no systematic investigation of the effect of vegetation parameters has been conducted. This paper aims to systematically analyze the influence of different vegetation heights on air entrainment during the overflow of spillways. Therefore, a spillway model with a slope of 18° (1:3) was equipped with artificial turf of varying turf heights, and supercritical flows were investigated. The aeration was measured using double-tip conductivity probes, giving insights into air concentration profiles, bubble count rates, estimations of energy dissipation, and flow velocities. The results highlighted the significant influence of vegetation height on the aeration process. Higher air concentrations over the flow depth were observed for higher turf heights tested in this study. Also, the energy dissipation and flow velocity reduction increased with higher vegetation heights. Overall, the present study uncovers the effect of vegetated covers, thereby contributing to the fundamentals of aerated flows. Full article

Long-term and extensive mineral mining in the Kuermutu mine section of the Two Rivers Nature Reserve in the Altai region has disrupted the ecological balance between soil and vegetation. To assess the effectiveness of various restoration measures in this abandoned mine area, we compared two restoration approaches—natural turf transplantation (NTT) and replanted economic crop grassland (ARGC)—against an unaltered control (original grassland). We employed 11 evaluation indices to conduct soil and vegetation surveys. We developed a comprehensive evaluation model using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess restoration outcomes for each grassland type. Our findings indicate that both NTT and ARGC significantly improved ecological conditions, such as reducing soil fine particulate matter loss and restoring vegetation cover. This brought these areas closer to their original grassland state. The species composition and community structure of the NTT and ARGC vegetation communities improved relative to the original grassland. This was due to a noticeable increase in dominant species’ importance value. Vegetation cover averaged higher scores in NTT, while the average height was greater in ARGC. The soil water content and soil organic carbon (SOC) varied significantly with depth (p < 0.05), following a general ‘V’ pattern. NTT positively impacted soil moisture content (SMC) at the surface, whereas ARGC influenced SMC in deeper layers, with the 40–50 cm soil layer achieving 48.13% of the original grassland’s SMC. SOC levels were highest in the control (original grassland), followed by ARGC and NTT, with ARGC showing the greatest organic carbon content at 20–30 cm depths. A comprehensive AHP ecological-economic evaluation revealed that restoration effectiveness scores were 0.594 for NTT and 0.669 for ARGC, translating to 59.4% and 66.9%, respectively. ARGC restoration was found to be more effective than NTT. These results provide valuable insights into ecological restoration practices for abandoned mines in Xinjiang and can guide future effectiveness evaluations. Full article

Light and temperature are the driving forces in plant development and growth. Specific photoreceptors provide the ability to sense and interpret light and temperature to regulate growth. Under the limited light conditions in most sports stadiums, natural grasses suffer from light deficiency. Artificial light provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is used to increase their growth and adjust their development. Flavonoids like flavonols and anthocyanins are influenced by light conditions and temperature. Increased blue light can elevate the content of these secondary metabolites. Remote measurements of internal parameters using non-destructive methods provided information on their content under different temperature conditions for quality monitoring. This experiment tested flavonoid contents in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) for different blue-to-red light ratios (0.6 and 0.4) and three temperature courses (constant temperature of 4 °C, constant temperature of 12 °C, and temperature switching among 12–8–4–8–12 °C). The results show elevated levels of flavonoids under blue-dominant artificial light as well as increased content under low-temperature (4 °C) conditions. The lack of flavonoids at elevated temperatures (12 °C), especially under red-dominant light, suggests an increased requirement for artificial blue light at increased temperatures. Non-destructive flavonoid determination was suitable for this experiment and can therefore be used for practical sports turf quality monitoring. Full article