Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 1.1. In the past, grazing sheep and goats were used to maintain grassy areas.
roadsides, and it reduces glare, muffles sound (particularly important in
noisy cities) and provides a cooling effect. Turf also provides a soft
cushion on playgrounds and athletic fields. Turf can be grown in almost
any location. Its growth is perennial, and it provides a green cover that
does not need to be replaced if properly managed. Turf is relatively easy
to grow and quite forgiving of occasional mismanagement.
The most basic function of any turf is soil stabilization (Fig. 1.2). Soil
covered by turf does not slide, does not flow with water, and does not
cling to feet or shoes. Turf also prevents or reduces the formation of water
puddles.
In residential and commercial lawns, turf's function is primarily
aesthetic. Humans have a natural desire to surround themselves with
beauty. Plants, including turf-grasses, fulfil a large part of this desire
(Fig. 1.3).
Finally, the turf used in stadiums and on other athletic fields must
possess different qualities. It must withstand much more extreme phys-
ical stresses than turfs not associated with sports and recreational activ-
ities (Fig. 1.4).
Turfs used for stabilization, ornamental and recreational purposes
require different intensity of maintenance. For example, turfs used exclu-
sively for soil stabilization, called utility turfs, require only sporadic
mowing, little or no fertilization or irrigation, and no additional cultural
