
Hybrid pitch technology set to revolutionise football
Parched touchlines, bobbly goal mouths and penalties struck into Row Z – as entertaining as it might be for rival fans – are set to become a thing of the past.
The term hybrid grass has become associated with any pitch construction that is not 100% natural grass or 100% artificial turf.
Hybrid grass is a mixture of natural grass supported by artificial fibres. This is typically done in 2 ways, either stitching the fibres into the natural turf, or laying an artificial grass carpet on top of the natural grass. SIS Pitches offer both of these hybrid turf systems, each one having its advantages and disadvantages.
SIS Grass Hybrid is our stitched hybrid grass system, which produces a 95% natural grass pitch. The benefits are:
Hybrid carpet systems produces roughly a 90-92% natural grass pitch. The benefits are:
Without doubt the most important operation carried out on the pitch will be the annual renovation. Once every 12 months the sward must be cleaned out to allow the SIS Grass Hybrid fibres to be recovered and the organic build up to be removed.
The first action in any pitch renovation will be to remove the existing herbage. This is completed by using a machine known as a field top maker fitted with a UNIVERSE® Rotor. This is the only machine which should be used for this operation. This process can be carried out by clubs in house if the equipment is available or by employing specialist sports pitch contractors.
The aim of the process is to remove the herbage/organic layer, leaving only the clean rootzone beneath, ready for re-seeding.
See this process in action below, from Robert Heggie at BMO field.
Failure to renovate can result in the hybrid grass fibres becoming buried and the pitch surface becoming difficult to play on, offering poor performance for players and a risk that your surface will become damaged.
Over the season, the natural turf and organic matter can build up, which needs to be removed to recover the SIS Grass fibres and allow for a new surface to be established.
Our webinar provides the latest information on this cutting-edge hybrid grass technology including the history of the hybrid surface; its advantages and disadvantages; research results; as well as maintenance and renovation strategies.
Today, many athletes are looking to change from synthetic back to natural grass fields. This innovative technology can help you provide a more robust surface while retaining the tradition of playing on natural grass.
If you would like any more information or have any specific questions for our experts, just contact us and we would be happy to help!
If you're wanting further information on hybrid grass pitches, contact us for a free consultation.