DPSIR

Acronym for the Driver, Pressure, State, Impact and Response framework which identifies the causal links between each feature and for developing indicators to enable consequential social and environmental relationships to be better understood, with improved decision making, from an environmental problem.

Drivers are economic and social factors that drive human activities such as lifestyle, production, consumption, as well as leisure and sporting activities. These apply pressure to, or release pressure from, the environment. The resultant pressures will depend on the relationship between the type and extent of technology being used and the social application of mitigation practices. The social ‘need' for perfection in grass swards, which will often mean well-manicured needs to be challenged to be more aligned to sustainable development outcomes rather than short term visual outcomes.

The Pressures from human activity, which are invariably negative, cause stresses on the environment, which influence its State. Typical pressures arise from resource consumption and the pollution and impact on biodiversity that results from this.

The pressures can result in changes in the State (i.e. the condition) of the ecosystem in a defined area. Examples include
• Biological changes ¯ ground cover, rootzone biodiversity, rooting strength, desirable grass cover, undesirable organisms (especially pests and diseases), biodiversity loss, keystone species, variation in growing season.
• Chemical changes ¯atmospheric CO2 concentrations, changing soil pH levels, available nutrients, leached nutrients, CEC, air-soil-water pollution, soil salt levels, increased concentrations of synthetic chemicals.
• Physical changes - soil compaction, waterlogging, drainage capability, increased temperature, carrying capacity, available moisture, reduced water for irrigation, surface evenness, playing qualities, anaerobic soil conditions, air flow, light levels.

The Impacts of environmental degradation can influence a range of factors, including, human well-being, health, safety (for example of playing surfaces), increased repair and renovation costs, reduced resilience, loss of biodiversity, increasing playability costs, longer term of uncertainty of sport, recreation and leisure facility provision, employment prospects, and desirability of locations for work, play and sport.

The Responses by society to the impacts, or potential impacts. Plans to be developed and actions taken to reduce the impacts and mitigate harm caused to the environment. Data collection, monitoring, use of indicators, regulations, prevention practices, adopting more targeted cultural practices, alternative practices, managing user expectations, economic measures ¯ charges or taxes, restorative practices, broader holistic approach to environmental management.