Bermudagrass under stress scenarios

The use of bermudagrass in professional football pitches in Spain began in 2009 with Sevilla FC and has expanded northwards to reach, by 2025, around one third of LaLiga stadiums. Currently, 35% of the pitches in the Spanish First Division and 32% in the Second Division use bermudagrass, consolidating its role in warm climates and high-radiation environments.

Agronomic strengths of bermudagrass

Bermudagrass has several advantages over the ryegrass that has historically been favoured by sports governing bodies in the northern hemisphere. Bermudagrass:

• Is heat and drought resistant. Climate change is a reality. Particularly Mediterranean countries suffer from water scarcity. Bermudagrass can recover after dry periods, resist dry patch, and is easier to bring back compared to ryegrass or Kentucky bluegrass.
• Has a lower water and energy consumption. It requires 30–40% less water, which makes a significant difference. This reduced reliance on water has a positive knock-on effect on energy use by irrigation pumping systems. The reduced reliance translate to less energy consumption.
• Has reduced use of pesticides. Bermudagrass shows strong resistance to fungal diseases and nematodes, thanks to its deeper root system. It also recovers quickly from insect damage such as Spodoptera or mole crickets. Experiences in Sevilla show a 90% reduction in pesticides.
• Has a high recovery capacity and more playing hours. In active growth periods, bermudagrass can withstand up to 20 hours of weekly play while maintaining excellent quality, with minimal divot formation.
• Has a contribution to sustainable management aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the European legislation on pesticides, in particular. The upcoming restriction of chemical use is making bermudagrass increasingly considered as the grass on the present rather than the future. By 2030, when no pesticides are expected to be allowed for turf, bermudagrass will be an essential option.