Desso GrassMaster facts for kids
Desso GrassMaster is a special kind of sports field. It mixes natural grass with tiny artificial fibres. Think of it like a carpet where some of the threads are real grass and some are man-made! This mix makes the field super strong and great for playing sports.
This special type of field is also known as Hybrid Grass or Reinforced Natural Grass. It was first developed around 1990. The idea is to combine the best parts of natural grass with the strength of artificial fibres.
How Hybrid Grass Works
When a Desso GrassMaster field is made, small artificial fibres are injected deep into the ground. They go about 20 cm (8 inches) down. These fibres cover a small part of the surface, about 3%. As the natural grass grows, its roots get tangled with these artificial fibres. This creates a strong, stable, and even playing surface. The fibres help to hold the natural grass in place, like a hidden support system.
Why Hybrid Grass is Used
Hybrid grass fields are used for many sports, like football, rugby, American football, and baseball. They are perfect for big stadiums and training areas. These fields are also strong enough to be used for concerts and other events.
The artificial fibres help the natural grass recover faster after being used a lot. This means the field stays in great shape for longer. It also helps with drainage, so rain doesn't make the field too muddy. Players often find these fields more comfortable to play on because they are so stable and even.
In 2010, for the first time ever, some games at the FIFA World CupTM were played on these special hybrid grass pitches. This happened at the Mbombela Stadium and the Peter Mokaba Stadium in South Africa.
Where You Can Find Hybrid Grass Fields
Many famous stadiums around the world use Desso GrassMaster or similar hybrid grass systems. Here are some of them:
