Turfing systems for stadia

Abstract

Stadia and other activity surfaces are provided comprising natural turf. Natural turf units are provided which are transportable between first and second locations, the second location being for the growth and maintenance of the turf unit; the first location being a location for the performance of the desired activity. Means of transporting the units between the first and second locations are also provided. Artificial plant growth media are also provided comprising sand fractions and at least about 30% of shaped pieces of expandable polymer which are substantially inert to plant growth chemistry. In accordance with preferred embodiments, domed stadia are provided with natural turf activity surfaces which are able to withstand intensive wear during multi-season activities.

What is claimed is: .[. 
     
       1.  A transportable, natural turf activity surface comprising a plurality of transportable turf units comprising a growing pan having walls and being adapted for containing plant growing medium together with growing, substantially entire, turf plants; said turf units having fastening means for removably attaching said plurality together;   the turf plants being maintained at a level above the level of the walls of the turf units to provide a substantially flat, substantially continuous turf surface..]. .[.   
     
     
       2.  The transportable natural turf activity surface of claim 1.]. .Iadd.A transportable, natural turf activity surface comprising a plurality of transportable turf units comprising a growing pan having walls and being adapted for containing plant growing medium together with growing, substantially entire, turf plants; said turf units having fastening means for removably attaching said plurality together;   the turf plants being maintained at a level above the level of the walls of the turf units to provide a substantially flat, substantially continuous turf surface;.Iaddend.   wherein the plant growing medium comprises: a sand fraction having at least about 75% by volume sand;   from about 10 to about 20% volume humus;   up to about 7% clay;   up to about 5% silt;     said sand fraction being blended with at least about 30% by volume of shaped pieces of expanded polymer selected to be substantially inert to plant growth chemistry.   
     
     
       3. The transportable natural activity surface of claim 2, wherein said expanded polymer is foamed polystyrene. 
     
     
       4. .[.The transportable natural turf activity surface of claim 1.]. .Iadd.A transportable, natural turf activity surface comprising a plurality of transportable turf units comprising a growing pan having walls and being adapted for containing plant growing medium together with growing, substantially entire, turf plants; said turf units having fastening means for removably attaching said plurality together;   the turf plants being maintained at a level above the level of the walls of the turf units to provide a substantially flat, substantially continuous turf surface;.Iaddend.   wherein said fastening means cooperates with the walls of the turf units below the level of the turf plants to effect said attachment.   
     
     
       5. .[.The transportable natural turf activity surface of claim 1 wherein the growing medium is maintained at a level above the level of the walls of the turf units..]. .Iadd. 
     
     
       6.  A transportable, natural turf activity surface comprising: a plurality of transportable turf units comprising a growing pan having side walls and containing plant growing medium together with growing, substantially entire, turf plants;   said growing, substantially entire turf plants being maintained at a level above said side walls, said turf units cooperating with said other turf units to provide a substantially flat, substantially continuous turf surface over said plurality of said transportable growing pans;   wherein the plant growing medium comprises: at least about 48% sand;   about 10 to about 20% humus;   up to about 7% clay;   up to about 5% silt;     said sand fraction being blended with at least 30% by volume of shaped pieces of expanded polymer selected to be substantially inert to plant growth chemistry..Iaddend.