Golf Burnaby endorses the research provided by the Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation.
Reduces Runoff
Turf grasses slow down the speed and reduce the force of flowing water. This benefits the groundwater reserves because it's absorbed in the soil. Sediment that has been picked up by the water is always trapped within the stand of turf grass. This prevents many of the pollutants and other chemicals that rain water gathers from ending back in our water system. Instead, the pollutants enter the soil where they are broken down safely.
Replenishes Air
Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, and grass is no exception. The amount of oxygen that a 15x15m lawn produces can sustain four people for an entire year. The average 18-hole golf course is known to produce enough oxygen for 10,000 people! Well managed turf grass also helps reduce pollen production by preventing the growth of weedy species that produce significant amounts of airborne pollen. Dust and other airborne allergens are also prone to getting trapped within stands of turf grass.
Supports Bioremediation
Pollutants, such as hydrocarbons and heavy metals, often end up in our soil and are detrimental to the health of people, plants and animals. These substances can be broken down by bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms within the soil. Healthy stands of turf grass possess an extensively fibrous root system, which provide both a habitat and energy source for these populations, allowing them to be more productive than they would in the absence of turf grass.
Prevents Erosion
The fibrous roots of turf grass bind the soil together, preventing the soil from being carried off by water and wind. The blades of grass (known as the canopy), slow down rainwater by dramatically reducing the amount of soil that's carried off by the force of the water. With soil erosion becoming such an increasing problem, turf grass can play a vital role in reducing losses of high quality top soils.
Promotes Safety
Healthy turf grass serves as a barrier to fire damage and is capable of preventing large fires from spreading out of control. Well maintained lawns also deter insect pests from invading and creating their habitats. Rodent pests are typically deterred from crossing large areas of turf.
Turf grass is also a soft surface for recreational purposes and that is important for a variety of sports. Statistics indicate that injuries are reduced on natural turf grass compared to artificial surfaces. Natural turf also offers a safe, resilient surface for children, many of which are prone to injuring themselves while playing.
Regulates Temperature
The process of transpiration has a cooling effect that lowers the temperature of air around turf grass plants. The need for air conditioning can be significantly reduced, conserving energy for other uses. Studies have shown that the amount of heat given off by bare land or poorly maintained turf is substantiality more than that of healthy, well maintained stands of turf grass.
Removes Carbon from the Atmosphere
Stands of healthy turf grass play an important role in carbon sequestration (a fancy term used to describe the removal of carbon from the atmosphere). Carbon dioxide is converted into plant biomass during photosynthesis, allowing for long-term storage of carbon within the root system.
Grassland systems differ from other ecosystems because the ratio below-ground biomass to above-ground biomass is relatively large. Since turf grass is an undisturbed and highly productive system, it has the ability to remove a large amount of carbon. Because the sequestration occurs primarily within the soil, it's a more stable form of carbon storage than above-ground plant biomass. Studies show that a hectare of golf course turf is capable of sequestering one-ton of carbon into the soil every year for 30 years.