Once they get in tune with minimal management, they get excited. Paspalum also has potential for bioremediation projects, in reclamation of contaminated or problem soil. It has been used successfully in South Africa to reclaim mining areas. Research is ongoing with the Savannah River Plant in Aiken, S.C., where nuclear materials have been produced. Sports fields put the paspalums to a tough test under football, soccer and baseball cleats.
Zoysia grass does well in domes but it is slow to recover after a game.
Bermuda grass requires full sun. Paspalum's low light requirements, quick recovery and minimal maintenance make it attractive for sports. We turned the kids on the fields to see how it would do. The researchers speculate that there will be a reduced amount of knee injuries and fewer abrasions, he said. The team built a sports research field in Griffin to show coaches exactly what it can do.