ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
The Benefits of Managed Turfgrass Spaces
Individuals engaging in recreation and relaxation in Central Park , New York . All photos by Michael R . Barnes , Ph . D .
By Michael R . Barnes , Ph . D .
A broad narrative exists among those not involved in turfgrass management and research that turfgrass spaces provide few benefits beyond simple aesthetics . Most commonly , such narratives frame this comparison based on the high amounts of inputs needed to maintain turfgrass areas in relation to the perceived limited benefits . These narratives , however , leave out the broad variety of benefits both ecologically and socially of properly managed turfgrass spaces — including sports fields . So how did we get to this place where there is an imbalance between the negative aspects individuals hold and the lack of positive aspects ?
UNDERSTANDING ECOSYSTEM SERVICES Two connected factors have played a significant role in this imbalance being created and persisting until today : 1 ) comparing vastly different landscape types and 2 ) a lack of research on cultural benefits .
Before we dive into those two factors , it would be helpful to discuss the concept of ecosystem services . Ecosystem services provide a framework for categorizing benefits of nature . Those benefits are organized into three broad categories .
Cultural ecosystem services refer to outputs from ecosystems that affect the physical and mental states of people ( e . g ., recreation ).
26 SportsField Management | September 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com