Ecosystem

An interconnected community of organisms living within the same environment. A relationship exists between the different organisms, from higher plants to micro-organisms, typically ranging from symbiotic to antagonistic, and the abiotic factors, such as soil pH, soil moisture, available nutrients, temperature, etc.

The soil ecosystem within a turfgrass system is constantly being impacted in a negative way through intensive maintenance practices and the routine use of artificial materials, especially pesticides. This creates conditions which reduce the overall competitiveness of the desirable turfgrasses, making undesirable organisms, such as weeds, weed grasses, insect pests and especially diseases, more prevalent.