Stabilized turf for athletic field

摘要

A stabilized turf (10) particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat (18) interposed between upper (24) and lower (16) layers of growth media, the mat (18) having a horizontally disposed, substantially biodegradable backing (22) and generally upwardly extending non-biodegradable fibers (20) secured thereto, wherein the fibers (20) extend above the upper layer (24) of growth media. Natural grass plants (26) extend upwardly above the upper layer (24), with the roots extending down through the backing (22) and into the lower layer (16). The mat (18) stabilizes root growth, particularly during initial grow in. The substantial biodegradability of the backing (22) results in a loss of all or most of its horizontal structural integrity within a predetermined time period. The backing (22) may be treated with a decomposition agent to control the predetermined time period. Aerating helps to reorient and distribute the non-biodegradable fibers (22) within a subsurface vertical band (22a) greater in vertical dimension than the fibers (22) themselves. The stabilized turf (10) can also be topdressed. Thus, this turf (10) is adapted to accommodate both aeration and topdressing, two well-recognized and advocated turf management practices.