FCBARCELONA.CAT

17.10.2007 12:16

Testing times for the Camp Nou pitch

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Tests have been carried out on a section of the Camp Nou pitch with machines being used to increase the temperature and the amount of light the grass receives at a time of adverse weather conditions.

Taking advantage of the fact that the pitch will be unused for around three weeks, the Camp Nou has seen these machines placed on the playing surface since last Saturday. The four devices are carrying out tests in the stadium, with the objective to discover the vegetative and radicular growth of the grass in order to be able to maintain the same conditions all year round.

More heat and light

It is hoped that by doing this the quality of the lawn can be maintained and still be in the best condition possible until spring. For that reason the company, Royal Verd, have placed the four devices, each containing six low energy lamps to create photosynthesis of the grass to see if it is possible to keep the pitch in superb condition for much longer than normal.

End result

At the moment the tests are being concentrated on the centre of the pitch and will continue throughout the entire season. The machines are on for 12 hours a day (from 6pm until 6am) and the difference in growth and quality between the test area and the rest of the pitch will be measured to see if it has any great affect. Once the results are in it will be decided if this method will be extended to cover the entire pitch.