Creating the perfect pitch in Qatar Providing air-conditioning and shade are vital, with half of the pitch constantly in shadow to shield players and fans from the sun Aspire Sport Turf tested 24 types of grass in harsh climate Tested with 30-70% shade 7,848m2 40mm-thick turf rolls harvested from AST farm Aeration network Drainage network Overseeded ryegrass mixture for consistent surface to allow high-quality ball play Hybrid grass technology: 95% natural turf reinforced with synthetic yarn Grass roots Synthetic threads: Stitched 180mm deep into natural turf enable faster pitch recovery and allow more playing hours Subsurface aeration: Cool air pumped into soil regulates temperature and gas exchange in root zone for healthier turf Crushed stone drainage layer Geotextile: Soil separation and drainage Drainage system: To control soil moisture content Lower root layer Upper root layer Sources: ESSMA, SIS © GRAPHIC NEWS