Method for stabilizing natural turf with dual primary stabilizer

Abstract

A stabilized turf (,) particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat (,) interposed between upper (,) and lower (,) layers of growth media, the mat (,) having a horizontally disposed, biodegradable primary backing (,) and generally upwardly extending fibers (,) secured thereto, wherein the fibers (,) extend above the upper layer (,) of growth media. Natural grass plants (,) extend upwardly above the upper layer (,), with the roots extending down through the backing (,) and into the lower layer (,). The mat (,) stabilizes root growth, particularly during initial grow in. The biodegradability of the primary backing (,) results in a loss of all or most of its horizontal structural integrity within a predetermined time period. The primary backing (,) may be treated with a decomposition agent to control the predetermined time period for decomposition, a stabilizing agent to assist in holding the upright fibers (,) or a growth agent for the natural turf grass. The mat (,) may also include a reinforcement primary backing (,), to which the fibers (,) may be secured along with the biodegradable primary, or the reinforcement primary could stand alone, above or below the biodegradable primary. Aerating helps to disperse, i.e., reorient and vertically distribute, the fibers (,) within a subsurface vertical band (,) greater in vertical dimension than the upper layer of growth media. The stabilized turf (,) can also be topdressed. Thus, this turf (,) is adapted to accommodate both aeration and topdressing, two well-recognized and advocated turf management practices.