Surface performance characteristics of carpet‐mat stabilized cool‐season sod over drainage cells for temporary stadium installation

Abstract

Carpet‐mat systems are a diverse group of hybrid stabilizing systems that are installed during sod establishment. In this experiment, eight hybrid, carpet‐mat systems (Flexgrass, Hatko Turfgrass XL BIO 40/34/10 [Turfgrass BIO], Hatko Hybridgrass 40 DS 10 XL [Hybridgrass 40 XL], Hatko Hybridgrass 53 DS 10 XL [Hybridgrass 53 XL], HG Turf Group HERO 127.127 [HERO 127], HG Turf Group HERO 169.169 [HERO 169], Tarkett Sports PlayMaster, POWERgrass™ SP/T [POWERgrass]) were screened for their suitability as a playing surface option for FIFA tournaments. Research was conducted at Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Tennessee (UT). In fall 2023, carpets were seeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and established over plastic. Carpets were infilled with a graded, 90:10 (sand:peat) root zone to each carpet manufacturers prescribed depth. In spring 2024 (<12 months after seeding), established sod was harvested and transplanted to a cellular drainage testing block over asphalt. Treatments were evaluated for surface hardness, rotational resistance, and soccer ball rebound. At UT, treatments had no effect on surface hardness; however, both HERO treatments registered higher rotational resistance than all other carpets. At MSU, all carpet‐mats, but HERO 169, generated a harder playing surface than the non‐stabilized control but had no effect on rotational resistance. Ball rebound was unaffected by any treatment at either location. Based on current FIFA thresholds for an excellent quality pitch, all carpet‐mat systems we evaluated following initial establishment could be considered a suitable hybrid option as a playing surface for a FIFA tournament venue.