A hydroponic system for natural turf that can take extreme wear as an alternative to artificial grass surfaces

Abstract

Natural grass areas in high-traffic and stress locations are being converted into artificial grass by inconsistent moisture conditions in root-zone and poor grass conditions. As an alternative solution to this method, natural grass was planted instead in a washed sand without organic matter and with a constantly moving water table and no overhead irrigation. Water consumption and surface quality after heavy machinery exposure was measured. A significantly increase in the potential for traffic and play was observed, along with water savings of up to 85% compared with normal overhead irrigation amounts for similar surfaces (golf course tees).