According to a report from Kyle Hanson, KVIA News, El Paso TX, many cities and school districts across the Borderland have been replacing natural grass fields with artificial turf to reduce maintenance costs, but they may not be saving money when it comes to watering costs.
A New Mexico State University study has found that more water is needed to keep artificial cool enough to safely play on during a hot summer day than what is needed to water bermudagrass for a day.
“If you, on a hot summer day, wanted to play two games of soccer on an artificial turf surface, you would have to irrigate at least two times for the surface to be cool enough and provide the athletes with a safe playing surface,” said NMSU professor Bernd Leinauer, a turfgrass extension specialist for the State of New Mexico.
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