Natural vs Synthetic

More in this section

• Insights
• The choice of the pitch
• Fields in Natural grass
• Fields in Synthetic Turf
• Experience in the field
• FAQ - Hybrid grass
• Natural vs Synthetic
• Zeolite - mineral soil conditioner
• Cocopeat - organic soil conditioner
• Cork - elastic element
• Irrigation management
• Natural grass reinforcement
• Protection of synthetic turf
• Ground levelling
• Irrigation system
• Drainage system
• Slit-drains in the soil
• Drainage layer
• Growth medium
• Successful installation
• Renovating hybrid grass
• Gypsum calcium saves water

Falls and slips by athletes are part of the game.

Ankles suffer from surface instability

Natural grass pitches, with proper maintenance, are still considered the ideal sports surface for most players due to the better interaction of the studs with the surface. However, there are risks if the roots are not firmly anchored in the ground, if dangerous holes are present or if water drainage is inadequate. Sprained ankles can occur when the roots of the grass are not strong enough and the grass sods are raised. In February 2012 Barcelona made a formal complaint to UEFA about the conditions at the San Siro stadium where the new grass sods had been laid a few days earlier. The transplantation of natural grass sod is not a solution and involves numerous risks from a logistical point of view because it is often done out of season. Sod transplantation also requires intensive maintenance to get the grass to take root in the new site.  In professional stadiums, sod with a thickness of 40 mm is preferred in order to be able to play immediately, and it is almost impossible to make it take root because there is no proper aeration of the root system, even with frequent holes are practiced. 

Artificial grass pitches are not the best solution for playing safely

Artificial turf carries more risks

A study recently published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine showed that NCAA Division II and III football players are 63% more likely to have anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and NCAA Division I football players are almost 3 times more likely to have posterior cruciate ligament (PLL) injuries when playing on synthetic turf compared to natural grass.

Recent research published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that between 2012 and 2016, 16% more lower-body injuries occurred on synthetic turf than on natural grass among elite NFL athletes. If all NFL games played on synthetic turf were played on turf during the study period, 319 fewer lower-body injuries would be expected.

Skin abrasions are often seen on synthetic turf. In addition, the fear of falling prevents most athletes from playing in peace. We observe a different game because they tend to pass the ball first, instead of 'playing' it, and sliding markings are quite rare. A study in the USA showed that burns on artificial turf increase significantly above 30°C; the same study showed that artificial turf is hotter even than asphalt and exceeds 70°C.  Source www.aces.nmsu.edu

Most players experience spinal pain due to the return of energy from synthetic floors.

The biggest danger, often hidden, is the build-up of excessive heat on the sports floor, which causes premature fatigue and heat exhaustion risks, as well as skin abrasions in the event of a fall. Heat exhaustion is the most commonly observed heat-related condition in active populations ranging from athletes to hikers. It is defined as the inability to continue exercise in hot weather due to cardiovascular insufficiency (not enough blood pumped to the heart) and energy depletion that may or may not be associated with physical collapse. Cardiovascular failure refers to when the heart has difficulty supplying sufficient oxygenated blood to all working organs and muscles and is exacerbated by dehydration through extreme sweating without replacing fluids during exercise. Heat exhaustion is one of the most common conditions reported in hot climates. 

Ball control is better on natural grass

The POWERgrass hybrid course offers a hole-free pitch and greater grip 

POWERgrass hybrid grass can significantly increase player safety! The ideal prerequisites for playing safely are when the surface has very good traction in the range of 30-65 N and is soft in the range of 65-85G as measured with the 2.25 kg Clegg hammer. POWERgrass makes it easier to keep the surface in these optimal playing ranges because its backing is soft and protects the roots by promoting deep growth and preventing constipation of the substrate under the backing. The playing surface remains soft and withstands more play, before intensive use requires mechanical tillage. Compaction is limited in the substrate above the backing, making it easier to keep the surface soft with a simple pass of a sorrel roller.