Natural playing fields maintained without pesticides can perform just as well as any chemically-maintained turf, with even greater resiliency, softer playing surface, less water consumption and greater drought tolerance.

Like their chemically-maintained counterparts, natural fields require regular fertilization, aeration and over-seeding. Natural fields also require periodic applications of natural soil amendments such as compost and/or compost tea. However, their deeper root systems and more active soil biology resist pest infestations, and, most importantly, natural fields create no health risks for student athletes.

Many of the chemicals found in commercial turf pesticide products have been associated with an increased risk of serious acute and chronic health problems, including asthma, certain types of cancer, and nervous and immune system damage. Since the development of disease in humans is a very complex process with many genetic and environmental factors playing a role, direct links are hard to establish in humans, but any unnecessary pesticide exposures should be avoided.

Typical routes of exposure to turf pesticides include inhalation, skin absorption and accidental ingestion. The normal hand-to-mouth behavioral patterns of children amplify their exposure. Sports gear and water bottles are often left on turf where they can be contaminated with pesticides which are then transferred to young athletes.

Resources:

Natural Turf Pro is a professional turf management training course on DVD produced by non-profit Grassroots Environmental Education. The four-hour program is divided into 19 chapters, and comes with a resource binder filled with information, sample documents and product resources.

The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA), through its Organic Land Care program, has developed extensive standards for organic lawn care. They have created an "Organic Lawn and Turf Handbook" and offer certification through a five-day training course.

Osborne Organics, based in Marblehead MA, offers consulting services in natural lawn care (including athletic fields) to schools and municipalities in the Northeast. (781) 631-2468.

The Nature Lyceum, under the direction of founder Jeff Frank, offers professional two-day training courses in natural lawn care in Westhampton, Long Island. (631) 728-0218.

Photo: The 100% organic playing field in Marblehead, MA.