HOW TO CONSTRUCT A TURF COVERED FOOTBALL PITCH - PART 1. TESTING SUITABILITY OF NATURAL GROUND FOR CONSTRUCTING FOOTBALL PITCH

The paper presents the results of research on the suitability of local natural ground for construction of the surface of planned football field, in terms of water permeability and retention capabilitiey. Physico-water properties of silt loam collected from the area of planned football field were tested. Under conditions of very low water permeability of the tested ground in the sub-arable horizon, there is a possibility of persistent considerable moisture content in the planned football field surface after heavy rainfall. Therefore, the football pitch will be damaged, which may make difficult or even prevent football playing and worsen the esthetical values of the football field. In conclusion of conducted field and laboratory analyses it may be stated that granulometric composition, low water permeability and very high water capacity definitely disqualify the natural silt loam in the area of the designed football field as a material suitable for constructing either the carrying layer or the drainage layer of the football pitch. ...