Benefits of Selection No. 1 Grass for Sports Fields

Why Pros Choose "Selection No. 1"

Walk onto any professional cricket ground in India, or visit a top-tier golf course, and chances are you are standing on slightly modified Bermuda grass, locally known as "Selection No. 1". It isn't an accident that this specific variety dominates the sports world. Maintaining a sports field is a constant battle against physical damage, weather extremes, and disease. Selection No. 1 is the weapon of choice for ground curators to win that battle.

1. Unmatched Durability and Tensile Strength

The primary requirement for any sports turf is the ability to take a beating. Football cleats, sliding tackles, diving catches in cricket—these actions exert tremendous force on the grass surface.
Selection No. 1 has a deep, fibrous root system that anchors the turf firmly to the soil. This prevents "divoting," where chunks of grass are torn out during play. Its above-ground shoots are tough and elastic, springing back up after being trampled, rather than breaking or matting down.

2. Aggressive Recovery Mechanism

Despite best efforts, damage happens. A fast bowler's follow-through marks or a golfer's swing will eventually wear down any grass. This is where Selection No. 1 shines.
It grows aggressively through stolons (runners) that creep along the surface and rhizomes that spread underground. This means that if a bare patch appears, the surrounding grass naturally rushes in to fill the gap. This self-repairing capability is crucial for keeping fields safe and playable throughout a long season.

3. Safety and Performance

For athletes, the surface is part of the equipment.
Traction: This grass provides excellent grip. It's not slippery like some broad-leafed varieties, allowing players to make sharp cuts and turns with confidence.
Cushioning: A dense mat of Selection No. 1 provides a natural cushion, reducing the impact on players' joints when they run or fall. This can significantly reduce the risk of impact injuries compared to harder or thinner surfaces.

4. Climate Resilience

Sports schedules don't stop for the weather. This grass loves the Indian heat. While other grasses might wilt or go dormant in 40°C temperatures, Selection No. 1 thrives, provided it gets water. It is also reasonably salt-tolerant, making it a viable option for coastal stadiums where soil or water salinity might be an issue.

5. Aesthetic Appeal for Broadcast

Let's not forget the visual aspect. In the age of HD broadcasting, a field needs to look good. Selection No. 1 responds beautifully to mowing patterns. Curators can strip the field in light and dark greens (by bending the grass blades in different directions) to create that professional, checkered look that fans love.

Conclusion

For any facility where performance matters—from school playgrounds to international stadiums—Selection No. 1 (Bermuda Grass) delivers the perfect balance of toughness and playability. It requires professional maintenance, including regular mowing and aerating, but the result is a world-class surface ready for action.