How is POWERgrass hybrid grass positioned?
This statement has some truth because, in the last 25 years, we have seen mixed systems that have contributed to reinforcing the stability of natural grass and increasing the hours of weekly use of the playing field. In fact, the most appreciated aspect of hybrid grass systems is the sensation and comfort of play that is almost equivalent to natural grass.
Currently we can identify 2-3 hybrid systems from the past that are more or less functional, but essentially none are able to offer such a high number of hours to satisfy the needs of approximately 1000-1200 hours of a sports club without ruining the natural grass or the system itself and much less where the natural grass deteriorates (for any reason) it offers a playable surface.
These are the main objectives of the POWERgrass hybrid grass which have been achieved thanks to the unique combination of 4 characteristics, protected in 4 invention patents, which offer a perfect symbiosis between natural and synthetic grass with mutual benefits.
- The fixing ("tuft lock") of strong and resilient synthetic fibers to the horizontal support (backing) is essential to brush or harrow the hybrid layer during clogging, thus making the fibers rise and protrude 20-30 mm above the growth substrate. The number of fibers must be sufficient to protect the crowns of the plants and ensure a playable pitch even before sowing the natural grass. The appearance of the hybrid field before sowing must in fact be green and ready for play.
- The horizontal support, the subject of the 3 patents, is open with a 3D structure, so the macro-pores of the support are distributed uniformly and interconnected over the entire surface at different angles to allow the circulation of air in the substrate to favor the exchange of oxygen (O2) with the gases produced by the respiration of the roots and by the microorganisms that feed on the organic substance and mineralize the nutritional elements (CO2), while the size and shape of the spaces or holes do not allow sand to enter to keep the properties of the backing unchanged internally; consequently the roots can penetrate the horizontal support from the first moment of growth. It can be removed to maintain its structure over the years and is made from a special mesh that does not de-grow if punched to withstand multiple maintenance operations such as: deep aeration, grooming, removal of thatch, reseeding, fresh renewal of the natural covering etc.
- The support is elastic and very soft to avoid the surface hardening of the ground which limits the player's comfort and root penetration. The integration of gentle cork into the sand layer will provide a soft surface for players and less compaction in the growing substrate.
Thanks to the combination of these characteristics, the POWERgrass hybrid grass has achieved the objectives set to offer the best of both components (synthetic grass and natural grass) because it combines the comfort and safety of natural grass with the resistance and reduced maintenance of artificial grass. This innovative symbiosis combination also offers a duration of over 20 years because the synthetic grass reinforces the natural grass but at the same time is protected from premature aging by the sun's UV rays which translates into further savings for investors, the environment and the community.
We can therefore say that POWERgrass is not the usual "middle ground" between synthetic grass and natural grass, much less a compromise, but it is a better alternative to everything that is available on the market today.
