Samsung C&T to Implement 30 Years of Turf Management Technology in K League Soccer Stadiums

K League Federation Signs Turf Management Consulting Contracts with 23 Stadiums

Employees of the Lawn Environment Research Institute at Samsung C&T Resort Division are diagnosing the grass of a K League soccer stadium. (Photo by Samsung C&T)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hye-young] Samsung C&T will take charge of turf management consulting for 23 K League stadiums.

On the 22nd, Samsung C&T Resort Division announced that it signed a contract with the Korea Professional Football League to provide consulting on turf management and soil diagnosis for 23 soccer stadiums of K League 1 and 2 teams.

Samsung C&T plans to utilize the golf course turf management technology of its Turf Environment Research Institute to provide growth environment and management solutions to maintain optimal turf conditions and soil quality at K League stadiums.

Most K League stadiums use "Kentucky Bluegrass," a turf commonly used on golf courses. Samsung C&T expects that the Turf Environment Research Institute’s extensive turf management experience and research data accumulated over a long period will contribute to enhancing players’ performance and preventing injuries, thereby strengthening competitiveness.

Established in 1993 as the first turf-specialized research institute in Korea, Samsung C&T’s Turf Environment Research Institute supports the management of facilities such as Anyang Country Club and Gapyeong Benest Golf Club operated by Samsung C&T.

Starting with Jeju World Cup Stadium in March, Samsung C&T will begin diagnosing K League stadiums.

Using specialized equipment, they will analyze turf growth and soil layers by measuring density, color, root length, vegetation index, and conduct all inspections to check the turf condition, including pest and weed occurrence. They also plan to diagnose turf conditions using scientific and objective data measured with advanced cameras such as drones, near-infrared, and thermal imaging, then identify areas for improvement.

For example, when turf is heavily compressed by soccer cleat spikes, the field becomes hard, which can lead to decreased performance and player injuries. To prevent this, renewal work is needed to soften the hardened field by filling in new soil in spots, and the Turf Environment Research Institute will propose suitable methods on-site to support stadium improvements.

Considering the characteristics of "Kentucky Bluegrass," which is vulnerable to high temperatures, they also plan to suggest blower placement and intensity, as well as the amount and timing of watering, based on accurate data to lower turf temperature.

Kim Kyung-deok, head of Samsung C&T Turf Environment Research Institute, said, "Last year’s turf consulting for soccer stadiums received favorable reviews from professional football clubs, so we are continuing this year. We will strive to provide consulting that can make a practical contribution to the development of soccer stadium infrastructure."

Meanwhile, Samsung C&T Turf Environment Research Institute plans to hold a symposium for domestic golf course managers to exchange information on turf management in response to climate change and drone utilization methods to promote the development of the golf industry.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.