The quality and safety of a sports field maximize its usability and lifespan. However, over time, some problems develop that may lead to its decline and eventual demise. The procedures used during the field construction also affect the outcome of the field.
Poor field conditions are a hazard, resulting in ligament sprains, broken bones, muscle strains, and tears. Also, poor drainage from the soil may result in failing to absorb all the water after irrigation or rain. As a result, muddy patches increase the risk of injury to players.
Another common problem is turf damage due to heavy use, weather conditions, or lack of proper maintenance. Too much use reduces the turf cover, exposing bare soil. The result is soil compaction leading to a hard surface that affects drainage and grass growth, and the surface becomes potentially dangerous for players.
Weed infestation is another problem where weeds compete with grass for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight, resulting in reduced turf quality and an uneven playing surface. Additionally, pest infestation is another problem causing damage to a field. Rodents can make holes or mounds, while insects damage grass roots and stem, resulting in thinning and dead patches.
Whether the fields are artificial turf or natural grass, they must be maintained properly to avoid injuries. One strategy is to conduct regular field inspections to help identify and resolve issues that can affect field safety and quality.
It is also important to ensure regular maintenance. During maintenance, various activities occur, such as irrigation, to prevent damage from drought. Regular drainage system maintenance is crucial to avoid standing water that creates safety hazards. Maintenance also includes pest management, weeding, fertilization, and aeration.
Pest management includes monitoring for pests and using pesticides to prevent damage from insects and other pests. Weeding involves identifying the types of weeds in a field and selecting appropriate herbicides to apply. Fertilization helps grow healthy grass, while aeration helps ease the soil compaction problem.
Mowing is also part of maintenance. It is necessary to use appropriate mowing practices such as using the right equipment, keeping appropriate turf height, and mowing frequency according to the type of grass and level of use.
The grass turf requires much maintenance, and some facilities may install artificial turf. However, even artificial fields also require maintenance. It is necessary to have a maintenance crew cleaning up the fields and picking up debris to prevent the synthetic fibers from being tarnished. Aside from removing debris, the artificial turf is sanitized and disinfected to eliminate invisible particles and bacterial growth.
Just like natural grass, artificial turf also requires watering. However, in the case of artificial turf, watering is meant to help get rid of heat trapped in the turf and reduce the temperature of the field during hot days. The artificial turf also requires regular repair due to damage such as tears, cuts, or burns. The repair may require treating dragging carpet fibers, or if the damaged area is extensive, it is cut out and replaced with a new piece.
