Sod facts for kids
Sod is a special type of grass that comes with a layer of soil and roots attached. Think of it like a ready-made carpet of grass! It's grown on farms and then sold to people who want a new lawn very quickly. Sod has also been used in the past to help build strong walls for protection.
In some places, like the United Kingdom, people often call this material turf. The word "sod" is mostly used there when talking about how it's grown on farms.
What is Sod Used For?
Sod is super useful for creating green spaces fast. It's often seen on:
- New lawns for homes
- Big golf courses
- Large sports stadiums
When new houses are built, sod helps create a beautiful lawn right away. It also stops the soil from washing away, especially on hills. If a small part of a lawn or sports field gets damaged, sod can be used to fix it quickly.
Sod also helps the environment! It can make areas cooler, improve the quality of the air we breathe, and even help clean water. It also helps prevent floods by soaking up rainwater.
Did you know that in places like Scandinavia, people have used sod for a long time to build roofs? Traditional houses in Iceland, for example, often have turf houses with sod roofs!
How is Sod Grown?
Sod is grown on special farms, just like other crops. In 2009, farms in the United States grew sod on over 368,000 acres of land. That's a huge area!
Most sod is grown close to where it will be sold, usually within 100 miles. This helps keep transport costs low and makes sure the sod stays fresh and healthy. These farms often grow many different types of grass. This way, customers can choose the best kind of sod for their needs and how they want their lawn to look.
Images for kids
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Sod used on a golf course
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Machines harvesting sod from a farm
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A special mower used on a sod farm
See also
In Spanish: Tepe para niños
