Sports surface design is crucial for the successful performance of sports skills and the reduction of injury risk. Surfaces have developed from natural materials such as turf, clay and cinder, to synthetic surfaces such as acrylic tennis courts, artificial turf for soccer and synthetic running tracks, while our understanding of natural turf has developed in terms of properties appropriate for different sports and surface sustainability. This book draws together the very latest research on biomechanical, medical and engineering approaches to the study of sports surfaces. Written by a team of leading international sport scientists, engineers and technologists, the book covers every key aspect of surface development and design, including: surface behaviour surface classification, function, construction and maintenance influence of surfaces on player performance and injury surface test methods and monitoring development of natural turf and synthetic surfaces shoe-turf interaction future developments in sports surface technology. Representing the most comprehensive and up-to-date study of sports surfaces, this book is important reading for all researchers and professionals working in sports technology, sports engineering, biomechanics or sports medicine.

Sports surface design is crucial for the successful performance of sports skills and the reduction of injury risk. Surfaces have developed from natural materials such as turf, clay and cinder, to synthetic surfaces such as acrylic tennis courts, artificial turf for soccer and synthetic running tracks, while our understanding of natural turf has developed in terms of properties appropriate for different sports and surface sustainability. This book draws together the very latest research on biomechanical, medical and engineering approaches to the study of sports surfaces. Written by a team of leading international sport scientists, engineers and technologists, the book covers every key aspect of surface development and design, including: surface behaviour surface classification, function, construction and maintenance influence of surfaces on player performance and injury surface test methods and monitoring development of natural turf and synthetic surfaces shoe-turf interaction future developments in sports surface technology. Representing the most comprehensive and up-to-date study of sports surfaces, this book is important reading for all researchers and professionals working in sports technology, sports engineering, biomechanics or sports medicine.

Soil is a fundamental and critical, yet often overlooked, component of terrestrial ecosystems. It is an extremely complex environment, supporting levels of diversity far greater than any ecosystem above ground. This book explores how soil structure develops and the consequences this has for life underground. The effects of spatial arrangement, of soil 's physical and biological components on their interaction and function are used to demonstrate their roles in ecosystem dynamics. Bringing together existing knowledge in the areas of soil biology and physics, this book explores the key characteristics of soil spatial architecture.