There are various construction methods and processes that can be used to convert a soccer field into a hybrid grass pitch. A hybrid base layer with synthetic fibers mixed in, the installation of a synthetic mat or the implantation of synthetic fibers are the three most common variants. The choice of hybrid turf system depends on the usage concept of the sports facility and should be defined at an early stage. Different uses and demands on the lawn lead to different recommendations when choosing the hybrid lawn system.
A hybrid turf in a Bundesliga stadium has to meet different requirements than a municipal sports facility that is used for club and school sports. It is therefore advisable to contact an experienced specialist planner, sports field builder or manufacturer at an early stage. The experts can provide advice and make recommendations based on projects that have already been implemented. The variant of a partial renovation with a hybrid turf system should also be considered. Zones subject to heavy wear, such as around the center circle or the penalty spots, can be equipped with a hybrid turf as part of the sports field renovation.
What is a hybrid football pitch?
A football hybrid turf is a natural turf sports surface reinforced with synthetic fibers. In such a system, the optimal playing characteristics of a natural turf are enhanced by an artificial component. As a result, hybrid turf systems are flatter, more robust and more stable than pure natural turf. Numerous hybrid turf systems are approved by associations and leagues for national and international football matches.
Hybrid turf systems are used in some football stadiums in Europe, in which artificial fibers have been implanted in the natural turf. With the so-called stitching technology, a ready-made turf that is tailored to the corresponding system is laid and the synthetic fibers are implanted with a special machine. In another method, mats with synthetic fibers woven in are laid, filled with the turf base layer and the appropriate turf seeds are sown. There are also other systems in which synthetic fibers are mixed into the turf base layer, which in turn bond with the turf roots. With these methods, the natural turf is strengthened and made more resistant by the synthetic component.
According to the manufacturer, a soccer field with a hybrid turf promises an additional playing time of one to two hours per day compared to a conventional sports field with natural grass. Other benefits include stabilization of the turf system and greater shear strength. The sports turf can also only be used for parts of the playing field.
Advantages of hybrid grass
- The systems are more stable and resilient than natural grass
- The turf has a higher shear strength
- The system is more water permeable
- The systems of today’s generation have playing characteristics similar to natural grass
- Selective use in heavily used areas of the field (penalty area, center circle)
- playability and intensity of use
- Stabilization of the turf system
- Higher shear strength
- Tested higher water permeability and drainage effect of the vertical fibers
- Greater turf stability when tackling/sliding
- Higher resilience compared to natural grass: Approx. 900h/year
- The same good playing characteristics as natural grass, but significantly more resilient
- 3-D zone stabilization of the turf system due to the vertical and horizontal orientation of the fibers – horizontal and vertical anchoring option for turf and roots
- High concatenation effect due to fiber length and number: approx. 45 million fibers per pitch
- Low installation costs as the fibers are mixed in at the factory
- No subsequent implantation necessary
- Area-independent installation (small pitches, penalty area)
The quality of the artificial grass is very important. Choose a robust and wear-resistant model. When the quality of artificial grass is lower, the fibers loosen faster when there is a lot of roughing on the artificial grass. It is very important that the substrate has the right cushioning. A surface that’s too hard is bad for your joints, especially your knees and ankles, making it easier to injure yourself. Excess rainwater must be able to sink into the subsoil without any problems. It is therefore important that the subsoil has a good drainage effect. If the water cannot sink, puddles remain on the field. A sports field is not complete without lines. With Reform Spor we can apply lines of white artificial grass to the lawn. A solid surface is crucial for playing comfort. For example, the ground must be sufficiently stable and permeable to water, otherwise the artificial turf pitch can sink and there is a risk of water pollution. The structure must also have the right cushioning. A surface that is too hard is not safe to stand on and walking on it can cause injury.
At Reform Spor we have many years of experience in laying artificial turf for various applications. Therefore we know exactly what type of underlay to use at each site for the right result. For example, if you want an additional safe surface or plan to install play equipment on the pitch, we can install additional fall protection. To complete the playing field, we at Reform Spor can immediately apply the right lines for you. For this we use white artificial turf, which we integrate into the playing field according to a careful laying plan. Choose the right lines for a football or hockey field or have lines made for a multifunctional sports field. It is even possible to color the playing field in different colors. For larger sports fields we can use a cutting effect in the lawn.