Algae and Lichen

A structural quality performance standard which states the maximum amount of algae and lichen, as a percentage, in the surface being maintained.

  Appearance

A presentational quality performance standard which states the minimum amount of conformity, measured as uniform texture, of a turfgrass surface. This focusses on how well the mower has been set in providing a sharp cut of the grass blades, ensuring no bruising to the blade has occurred, whether any damaged leaf tips are present, the correct mower setting has been used, especially so that no visual undulations in the cut sward are present, which includes ribbing and washboarding.

  Ball Roll

A playing quality performance standard which states the distance a ball will roll, measured in metres, on a dry surface.

  Bare area

A structural quality performance standard which states the maximum area, as a percentage, that can be assessed as being bare. The inverse of this is that the remaining area is therefore some form of vegetation. An additional category might also state the maximum diameter of any individual bare area present within a surface; this is measured in millimetres. Having zoned areas with different levels of acceptable bare areas might also be considered. For example, goal mouth areas on football pitches might be a different parameter from that in the body of the pitch.

  Bare Areas and Effect on Playing Quality

The actual effect of bare areas on playing quality will depend on the sport being played and especially the extent of the bare area, but in general terms the following effects may typically arise: • The soil profile can become harder, producing a higher bounce to a ball. • The soil can erode and disintegrate more rapidly, especially where little root system is present. This will result in limited soil binding by the few roots that are present. • The surface can become more uneven, introducing a potential trip hazard, or affect players running at speed. • Surface tractio

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  Basic Quality Standard

An overall level of quality in the original Performance Quality Standards framework which is where the surface is designed within tight financial limitations and also for use at recreational level.

  Benchmark

A point of reference when surveying, levelling, or installing drainage or irrigation into a surface. Or, it can also mean a standard or performance criterion that is used for comparison purposes.

  Benchmarking

An activity, which may be continuous, routine or ad hoc. It helps to determine if current activities meet a defined level of performance, which will often be best practice at the time. Benchmarking is also used to monitor the efficiency of resources used within an organisation, so even if a defined level of performance has been met this would not necessarily mean that it has been met efficiently so this could help to identify areas for improvement in working practices.

  British Standards

These are standards which have been produced by the BSI Group which define and specify a particular outcome. The harmonisation of standards throughout Europe and globally have led to many British standards being replaced by European Standards (EN ¯ European Norms) and International Standards (ISO); these are then incorporated into the subject title. There are many British Standards relevant to the maintenance and management of turf surfaces, including: • BS EN 748:2013+A1:2018 Playing field equipment. Football goals. Functional and safety requirements, test methods •

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  Colour

A characteristic which is used to evaluate, relatively, how green a turfgrass cultivar is during the summer and winter. Environmental conditions can significantly influence the green colour of a grass throughout the year, along with maintenance practices ¯ especially following applications of nitrogen or sulphate of iron.