The Environment
Turf is hugely beneficial to the environment. As you will see below, turf has a direct impact on our health and well being. Don't underestimate the fantastic contribution that turf makes to our lives!
Ten million grass plants in an average lawn! A single grass plant is not very impressive. But put it together with ten million others in an average lawn and you have a system of incredible diversity and activity. Both the above ground and below ground parts of the grass plant contribute towards the remarkable properties of turf. Grass roots grow, die, and decompose to form humus. Root regrowth takes place when conditions become favourable again. This continuing cycle of growth and decomposition provides food for soil micro-organisms that are an important part of this living, dynamic system.
The biology of turfgrass soils makes lawns a near ideal medium for the biodegradation of all sorts of environmental contamination. These soils are active in purifying the water as it leaches through the rootzone and down into the underground aquifers. Grasses trap millions of tons of dust and dirt released annually into the air. Soil microbes help break down some of these atmospheric pollutants into harmless materials. Lawns can even help neutralise acid rain.
Groundwater recharge is an important benefit provided by all turf. In contrast to hard landscape, where rain water runoff is lost to the drains, rain falling on turf infiltrates quickly into the ground, and runoff is virtually eliminated.
Above ground, the grass leaves absorb gaseous pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrogen fluoride, and peroxyacetyl nitrate from the air. The process of photosynthesis releases oxygen back into the atmosphere. It can be no coincidence that the increase in respiratory complaints and allergies in urban areas is occurring at a time when grassed areas are being converted to concrete and brick.
All round, people benefit from living and working near turf.
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