Understanding your environment

摘要

Looking back at my old biology notes I was reminded of the five elements required for life and, in this case, grass growth: air, warmth, light, nutrition and water. If any one of these key elements is limiting, it will have a significant effect on thehealth and condition of the grass plant and ultimately the condition of the playing surface. Within a stadium environment delivering all five elements at their optimum level is challenging given the constraints imposed by often rigid architecture whichsurrounds the pitch. Architects do their best to accommodate the needs of the playing surface and they are constantly looking to source materials that will allow more light to reach the pitch and louvers to promote ventilation but with the best will in the world the growing environment is compromised and the skill of the Pitch Designer, Agronomist and Groundsman comes into play to reduce the impact of this often heavily shaded environment.