KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Turf grass scientists at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture will now be able to more closely study the performance and safety of athletic fields.
On Thursday, representatives from UT and AstroTurf dedicated the Center for Athletic Field Safety, a two-acre facility dedicated to the research of natural and synthetic turf surfaces used for athletic fields.
Jim Brosnan, UT assistant professor of plant science, said 25 percent of injuries that occur in athletics are potentially related to field conditions, many of which could be preventable.
Bryan Peeples, president of AstroTurf, said the research conducted by UT scientists will be used by companies like AstroTurf to develop new products that make athletic fields safer.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
