GAT™ (Greenmaster Applied Turf), is a natural turf building system, that prioritizes the stability of the surface layer. The search for a better turf surface that offers improved playability focuses not only on the plant itself but also on improving or modifying the root zone condition. One aspect of this has been the utilization of a sand base root zone, which is stabilized by reinforcement material.
This field was installed with GAT™ System 20 years ago, an it remains a high-quality pitch till today.
Today, amended sand fields are becoming more common, and when properly designed and installed, they can offer dramatically improved playability. Sand layers constructed from any size particles tend to lack firmness, and this can be a special problem when the turf becomes thin or non-existent, footing and traction can quickly deteriorate under these conditions. The inclusion of amendments such as organic matter or inorganic matter will improve their performance as a growing medium or as a playing surface.
In the GAT™ system, the amendment used is a by-product of the palm oil industry, namely the trunk of the palm tree. We harvest what we call Bio fibre which when properly mixed into the sand profile at the right proportions will stabilize the sand. It also enhances the vertical movement of water into the profile.
This is Biosorb, another material harvested from the palm trunk, when mixed properly in the right proportions, it will increase the water-holding capacity of the sand and also increases the cation exchange capacity of the root zone mix. It makes the sand fertile for turf growth.
This profile taken from a GAT™ field shows clearly the concept of stability. The top 4 inches of the sand which were incorporated with GAT™ fibre remains while the sand below the 4 inches which was not stabilized with the fibre has fallen off, leaving the roots. The roots of the turfgrass tie the sand particle with the Biofibre to form a stable surface.
ADVANTAGES OF A GAT™ FIELD