ORGANIC FIBER REINFORCED GRASS TURF

Abstract

A natural turf reinforcement system and method are provided. A fiber yarn having at least one biodegradation characteristic is inserted into a soil bed to provide support to a natural grass component. The biodegradation characteristic includes a full or a substantially full biodegradation in the soil after injection after a defined time period. The fiber yarn may include one or more plant-based fibers, animal-based fibers, or at least one synthetic fiber. The fibers may further include one or more chemical treatments or coatings configured to extend or modify properties of the fiber yarn and/or the natural grass component.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The innovation in this disclosure relates to hybrid grass turf, and in particular, to products, systems, and methods of providing a tunable turf that provides high performance characteristics with considerations for improved manufacturing and post-use environmental processing.

BACKGROUND

Fields of hybrid synthetic and natural grass turf (hybrid turf) have been explored as an advance over fields of natural grass turf, and conventionally aimed at achieving trade-offs generally known in the art.

Hybrid turf conventionally may be manufactured through two primary methods: a carpet method, and a stitching method. The carpet method constitutes producing long pile carpets similar to conventional artificial turf carpets, adding soil to the top in which to grow natural grass, after which the hybrid carpets with live grass can be packaged and shipped on site for final installation and grass rooting may complete on-site.

The conventional stitching method constitutes injecting synthetic fiber yarns into an existing soil surface, and then growing grass on and around the injected synthetic fiber yarns, leading to a hybrid turf that stabilizes the soil surface with deep-rooted fibers, anchoring the system in place. The blades of growing grass being supplemented with additional fiber. It is to be appreciated that reinforcing a natural grass turf with synthetic fiber yarns may allow the root structure of the natural grass to wrap around the synthetic fibers (either carpet or stitch), resulting in a surface exhibiting higher stability for use in sports or other applications where significant forces will be applied to the surface.

These methods are sometimes considered more environmentally friendly than full artificial turf due in part to a lower utilization of plastic materials, along with sparser or even absent infill as part of a turf system. However, the product created by these conventional methods still requires complex, and cost intensive, processes for disposal at end of life. Moreover, these conventional complex processes are not effectively environmentally friendly with regard to decomposition and breakdown.

Such complex disposal typically involves the separation of synthetic from organic components for eventual recycling or disposal. In addition, residual organic matter that remains in the separated synthetic material may require even more complex processing to attain high quality recycled products for downstream usage of the synthetic components.

It is also to be appreciated that while conventional hybrid turfs present some performance advantages to normal turf grass, trade-offs include many of the disadvantages and problematic aspects of both natural turf grass as well as artificial turf grass, in particular due to the mix of synthetic and natural components. With the acceptance of these trade-offs, the industry has become seemingly complacent with the current state of the art.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview of the innovation, nor is it intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the innovation.

The subject innovation provides products, systems, and related methods of organic fiber reinforced grass turfs. In one aspect, the innovation provides controlled tune-ability, high performance, and improved manufacturing and post-use environmental processing. For example, in aspects of the innovation, organic fibers may comprise one or more plant-based fibers, animal fibers, or synthetic polymer fibers modified to exhibit performance characteristics along with substantial (or controlled/predictable) degradation in a defined time period under soil and/or composting conditions.

In other aspects, tune-ability of hybrid turf characteristics may be provided by organic fiber material, or hybrid turf surface treatments or both. In yet another aspect, treatments may comprise one or more of hydrophobic surface treatments or the like, application of plant growth hormones or nutrient adsorption, application of surface-active agents that modify the drainage performance, and complete or substantially complete biodegradation in soil after defined time periods after installation. In accordance with aspects of the innovation, complete or substantially complete biodegradation may be triggered or otherwise tuned or controlled by an addition of a chemical or biological compound.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and drawings. The examples disclosed herein are not to be limiting to the scope of the innovation, and other advantages are to be considered to be within the scope of the full disclosure, including detailed description and figures in various combinations. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings, and it is to be appreciated that other systems, methods, objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the drawings.

All documents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. References to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the context. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various systems, methods, and other embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates testing results in relation to aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 2 depicts an alternative example of a combination of organic fibers threaded through a stitching machine, prepared for stitching into a section of soil in regards to aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a process providing aspects of an embodiment of the innovation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details.

It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description relating thereto are not intended to limit the disclosed innovation to the particular examples disclosed. Instead, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosed innovation.

While specific characteristics are described herein (e.g., materials, thickness, orientation, configuration, etc.), it is to be understood that the features, functions and benefits of the innovation can employ characteristics that vary from those described herein. These alternatives are to be included within the scope of the innovation and claims appended hereto.

Applicant has discovered advantages of the subject innovation in the field of hybrid natural grass and synthetic turf products. For example, a more environmentally friendly and biodegradable fiber reinforcement material that presents quality mechanical properties and high durability may be used to lower the content of, or in some examples, completely replace, conventional synthetic materials. In addition, another example potential advantage is that organic fiber reinforcement material may further reduce the mass of petroleum-derived materials for hybrid turf, thus reducing another path of environmental impact (e.g., in the production of the material).

Thus, the use of organic or organic-based fibers in the manufacturing process of hybrid grass such as, for example, a stitching process, serves a similar utility as synthetic fibers, but with an added benefit of biodegradability and environmental friendliness. It is to be appreciated that selected fibers that replace conventional artificial synthetic fibers provide benefits such as streamlining disposal, e.g., since processing avoids a need to separate components, mitigated risk of micro-plastic contamination of soil, reduced carbon footprints, while maintaining high performance, for example with comparable surface stabilization. Further, in addition to the disposal benefits to cost along with the environment, additional benefits may be obtained by way of the utilization of lower cost organic-based materials.

As previously discussed, in accordance with the innovation, these organic fibers may also alleviate the need for an extensive separation process for removal of the synthetic fibers from the organic materials at end of life, given their organic nature.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates mechanical properties of example organic fiber yarns in tensile testing are illustrated as they compare to a conventional synthetic fiber yarns. Organic fiber yarns in tensile testing as compared to typical synthetic yarns exhibit comparable peak loads, but much lower elongation at peak. The synthetic fiber yarns tested have double the weight as the organic ones and display similar peak load. While synthetic yarns have a much higher elongation, this is not an obstacle to their use in stitching hybrid turf.

Turning now to FIG. 2, an alternative example is illustrated in which organic yarns are used in the ground stitching machines for hybrid grass, along with synthetic yarns. It is to be appreciated that this alternative may be employed for tune-ability reasons, while achieving different results and benefits from an example in which synthetic yarns are omitted entirely.

It is to be appreciated that a hybrid turf system may be made using yarns that are a combination of plant-based and animal fibers or plant-based and synthetic fibers or animal and synthetic fibers, or a combination of plant-based, animal and synthetic fibers. It is to be understood that the particular combination can be selected so as to exhibit a desired and longer term biodegradation in soil and/or composting conditions. It is to be further appreciated that use of organic fibers to reinforce a sod grass surface (e.g., natural grass component) by direct injection (e.g., stitching) of yarns into the ground, may not only stabilize a root zone of natural grass, thereby increasing surface stability and extending the durability of the surface, but provides additional benefits such as reducing carbon footprints of both manufacturing processing and end-of-life processing.

The hybrid turf system described herein may be utilized in a variety of applications. For example and without limitation, the hybrid turf system may be used on high-traffic areas, e.g., an athletic field, public park, communal area, etc., to facilitate the growth and strength of the natural grass component, while allowing usage of the field in a relatively short time after installation. In another example, the hybrid turf system may be employed in a brown field reclamation, covering the reclaimed field and allowing the natural grass component to grow. In another example, the hybrid turf system may be used for water retention, e.g., levees or dikes. In such implementations, the hybrid turf system for water retention dikes hold the surface of the dike in place until the natural grass has sufficient time to grow. Accordingly, the fiber yarn helps facilitate this function until the grass has grown to a sufficient length or just to have the fiber yarn reinforce the natural grass over extended periods of time, without having plastic or non-biodegradable materials adjacent to a potential water source.

Turning to FIG. 3, illustrated are several rows of a hybrid grass system that were made using plant-based yarns, successfully stitched into the ground for support of a natural grass component. It is to be appreciated, that while the stitching method is shown in view of an actual test example, other conventional methods of manufacture, such as a carpet method, are contemplated to be within the scope of applying the innovation.

As described and disclosed herein, hybrid turf may be made using organic yarn of plant origin. In examples, typical plant fibers appropriate for this use include, but are not limited to, linen, hemp, sisal, coconut coir, pineapple fiber, palm fiber, cotton, jute, bamboo, bagasse, abaca, kapok, kenaf, arenga, and other suitable plant-based fibers.

In other examples, hybrid turf may be made using organic yarns derived from animal fibers. For instance, typical animal fibers appropriate for this use include, but are not limited to, animal wools (e.g., alpaca, angora, bison, or sheep), silks as well as other animal-derived fibers.

In yet other aspects, it is also to be understood that, in accordance with the innovation described herein, hybrid turf may be made or constructed using organic yarns derived from synthetic fibers that exhibit biodegradation in a defined (or otherwise predicted) time period under soil and/or composting conditions. Tuning or controlling biodegradation may be considered a driver for such classification of ‘synthetics’ outside of the conventional use of such a term.

In examples, such fibers may be polyesters such as poly(butyrate adipate terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(hydroxy alkanoates) (PHA), poly(succinates) PXS, poly(glycolates) or poly(glycolate-lactate) copolymers (PGA, PLGA) or alternatively could be polyamides such as poly(glutamates), or other synthetic polypeptides, or polysaccharides such as thermoplastic starch or other similar polymers that exhibit ready biodegradation under specific conditions. Alternatively, certain traditionally non-biodegradable polymers could be used that rendered biodegradable by the addition of appropriate enzymes in the yarn formulation to promote biodegradation in the desired period of time.

The example synthetic biodegradable fibers in accordance with the innovation may also include other functional components, such as organic fillers (e.g., wood dust or paper) that aid or impede the biodegradation profile of the material. It is to be appreciated that ready biodegradation usually refers to materials that will degrade in two years or less under given conditions. In accordance with the innovation, additional factors, e.g., beyond (or in addition to) type of material, may also be selected or adjusted to control or tune biodegradation efficiency and/or timing.

In aspects, the fiber yarns used in hybrid turf may be treated with different compounds to modify, otherwise predict their performance in biodegradation, resilience, and interaction to the turf grass surface. It is to be appreciated that these modifications may be used to further tune the hybrid turf for selected performance and biodegradation characteristics.

By way of example and not limitation, in order to enhance biodegradation, and control for desired tuning levels, fiber yarns may be coated with hydrophobic or hydrophilic surface treatments that can reduce or increase water uptake as desired, and consequently affect (or control) the degradation of the system. For example, the fibers may be soaked with hydrophobic beeswax, carnauba wax, or shellac to slow biodegradation due to reduced access to water at the yarn surface, while remaining a fully organic system. Alternatively, an absorbent agar hydrogel coating would result in greatly increased water retention, which would serve to accelerate degradation by giving a humid and stable environment to any degradation microbes. Most any of these surface treatments could be impregnated with degradation enzymes, microbes, or other compounds that would modulate (accelerate or decelerate) the natural degradation rate.

Furthermore, the hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature of a coating may substantially alter the drainage and water retention properties of the surrounding soil, leading to changes in the interactions between the hybrid grass yarn and the grass turf root. By selecting a hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance, effects to drainage and rooting performance may be tuned to provide a desired characteristic at an end product placement. The fiber yarns may be coated with surface-active agents that modify the drainage performance of the field and fibers to allow more or less water retention, e.g., as designed for a selected system. It is to be appreciated that the aforementioned tune-ability differs from and takes into account natural and environmental characteristics, for example, plant roots that may perform limited degrees of secretion of hydrophobic waxes. While this phenomenon may be somewhat limited in nature, it differs from the innovation in that the natural waxes are tunable to the degree with which chosen and treated organic fibers may provide. In accordance with aspects of the innovation, in addition to and in accordance with the ability to tune, embodiments can control or optimize the pooling of water to predict or manage biodegradation. It is to be understood that uncontrolled pooling may be detrimental as it may lead to rot. Conversely, excessively fast drainage may also be undesired as such may prevent access to the water for the roots of the natural grass component.

Resilience can also be tuned in accordance with the innovation. For example, with regard to tuning factors of adjusting resilience, fiber yarns may be impregnated or coated with waxes or hydrogel to adjust their resilience performance. For instance, impregnating fiber yarns with a hydrogel, such as agar, hydroxyethyl cellulose, or poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) can substantially reinforce the resilience of the yarns, and can also lead to a shape-memory effect when soaked with water. Another example would be impregnating yarns with a hydrophobic wax material that would serve to strengthen the yarn structure. It is to be appreciated that treatments known in the context of garment textiles, may be adapted for the different and novel use in the context of tuning hybrid turf characteristics.

In regards to a system of a hybrid turf with interaction of organic fiber component with a natural grass component, it is to be appreciated that fiber yarns may be coated with plant hormones or nutrients to aid the turf grass in growth and rooting. For example, the fiber yarns may be soaked in rooting hormones to favor grass root formation around the stabilizing hybrid grass yarns. In another example, a dispersion of mycorrhizae may be added to the turf yarns to aid the rooting of the grass systems. It is to be appreciated that in this disclosed innovation, organic fibers may be substantially more porous and more hydrophilic as compared to the normal synthetic yarns, and these properties will allow organic yarns to have a much higher loading and retention of any such hydrophilic solution.

As disclosed, the controls of the innovation provide for tune-ability of a hybrid turf that has an ability to tune per customer (or application) demand, an ability to have biodegradation triggered, and may have combinations of fiber nature (e.g., organic vs synthetic), yarn treatment (e.g., antimicrobial, hydrophobic), and sports surface treatment (e.g., enzymatic treatment, surfactant to rinse through waxes and the like).

Thus, provided is a hybrid turf system in which the biodegradation of the system may be tuned such that it leads to substantial or predicted loss of mechanical performance of fibers in a selected time period, e.g., 0.5 to 10 years. More specifically, a system in which a loss of mechanical properties due to biodegradation may occur in a desired or predicable period, e.g., 0.5 to 5 years. In specific cases, it would also be possible to have a yarn with a biodegradation period shorter than 6 months that may be desirable for use cases that require very short usability windows.

Organic yarn may be used in a hybrid grass system such that the biodegradation of the fiber occurs at a predetermined (e.g., slower) rate, and may be triggered to be accelerated by the addition of a chemical compound. For example, a hybrid yarn may be composed of a polymer composite containing particle of calcium carbonate. In examples, at a decision to trigger acceleration, the hybrid yarn may be treated with citric acid. Citric acid treatment would increase porosity of the hybrid fiber, and result in greatly accelerated degradation.

Alternatively, the degradation may be triggered or accelerated by the addition of a naturally occurring microbe such as Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron for the degradation of thermoplastic starch component of a hybrid fiber. It is to be appreciated that specific selection, for example, a starch-eating bacterium may be employed in a locale to which an installation of the system is to take place. In other words, a selected bacterium may be relatively native so as to mitigate intrusive species effects, and not take over an environment. It is to be further appreciated that, in application, once the target item (e.g., food supply) is consumed, the bacterium will become deactivated through sleep or death. In addition, environmental impact is minimized as byproducts of the bacterium action may be small molecules fairly common to the target environment.

Implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

Clause 1: A natural turf reinforcement system, comprising a fiber yarn having at least one biodegradation characteristic; and a natural grass component, wherein the fiber yarn is injected into a soil bed and provides support to the natural grass component, wherein the at least one biodegradation characteristic includes a full or substantially full biodegradation in soil after injection after a defined time period, and wherein the fiber yarn includes at least one chemical treatment or coating configured to extend or modify at least one property of at least one of the fiber yarn or the natural grass component

Clause 2: The system of clause 1, wherein the full or substantially full biodegradation is triggered by an addition of a chemical or biological compound.

Clause 3: The system of clause 1, wherein the fiber yarn comprises at least one of plant-based fibers, animal-based fibers, or at least one synthetic fiber having a defined time period of biodegradation.

Clause 4: The system of clause 3, wherein the plant-based fibers comprise linen, hemp, sisal, coconut coir, pineapple fiber, palm fiber, cotton, jute, bamboo, bagasse, abaca, kapok, kenaf, or arenga.

Clause 5: The system of clause 3, wherein the animal-based fibers comprise alpaca wool, angora wool, bison wool, sheep wool, or silk.

Clause 6: The system of clause 3, wherein the at least one synthetic fiber is selected from the group consisting of poly(butyrate adipate terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(hydroxy alkanoates) (PHA), poly(succinates) PXS, poly(glycolates), poly(glycolate-lactate) copolymers (PGA, PLGA), polyamides, poly(glutamates), polypeptides, or polysaccharides.

Clause 7: The system of clause 1, wherein the at least one chemical treatment or coating includes beeswax, carnauba wax, shellac, absorbent agar hydrogel, hydroxyethyl cellulose, poly(hydroxyethyl methracrylate, plant hormones, plant nutrients, or mycorrhizae.

Clause 8: The system of clause 1, wherein the soil bed is a dike.

Clause 9: The system of clause 1, wherein the yarn comprises a blend of plant-based fibers, animal-based fibers, or biodegradable synthetic fibers.

Clause 10: A fiber yarn having at least one biodegradation characteristic for reinforcement of a natural grass component in a hybrid turf, comprising at least one of a plant-based fiber, an animal-based fiber, or at least one synthetic fiber having a defined time period of biodegradation.

Clause 11: The fiber yarn of clause 10, wherein the plant-based fiber comprises linen, hemp, sisal, coconut coir, pineapple fiber, palm fiber, cotton, jute, bamboo, bagasse, abaca, kapok, kenaf, or arenga.

Clause 12: The fiber yarn of clause 10, wherein the animal-based fiber comprises alpaca wool, angora wool, bison wool, sheep wool, or silk.

Clause 13: The fiber yarn of clause 10, wherein the at least one synthetic fiber is selected from the group consisting of poly(butyrate adipate terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(hydroxy alkanoates) (PHA), poly(succinates) PXS, poly(glycolates), poly(glycolate-lactate) copolymers (PGA, PLGA), polyamides, poly(glutamates), polypeptides, or polysaccharides.

Clause 14: The fiber yarn of clause 10, wherein the yarn comprises a blend of plant-based fibers, animal-based fibers, or biodegradable synthetic fibers.

Clause 15: The fiber yarn of clause 10, wherein the fibers include at least one chemical treatment or coating configured to extend or modify at least one property of at least one of the fiber yarn or the natural grass component.

Clause 16: The fiber yarn of clause 15, wherein the at least one chemical treatment or coating is a hydrophobic surface treatment.

Clause 17: The fiber yarn of clause 15, wherein the at least one chemical treatment or coating is a plant growth hormone or nutrient.

Clause 18: The fiber yarn of clause 15, wherein the at least one chemical treatment or coating is a hydrophilic surface treatment.

Clause 19: A method of reinforcing a hybrid turf system, comprising: fabricating a fiber yarn from at least one of a plant-based fiber, an animal-based fiber, or at least one synthetic fiber; tuning the fiber yarn in accordance with at least one biodegradation characteristic determined by at least one chemical treatment or coating, the at least one biodegradation characteristic including a defined time period of biodegradation; and applying the tuned fiber yarn to a soil bed, wherein the at least one biodegradation characteristic includes a full or substantially full biodegradation in soil after application after a defined time period, and wherein the at least one chemical treatment or coating is configured to extend or modify at least one property of at least one of the fiber yarn or the natural grass component.

Clause 20: The method of clause 19, wherein the soil bed is a dike.

What has been described above includes examples of the innovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the subject innovation, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the innovation are possible. Accordingly, the innovation is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A natural turf reinforcement system, comprising: a fiber yarn having at least one biodegradation characteristic; anda natural grass component, wherein the fiber yarn is injected into a soil bed and provides support to the natural grass component, andwherein the at least one biodegradation characteristic includes a full or substantially full biodegradation in soil after injection after a defined time period.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the full or substantially full biodegradation is triggered by an addition of a chemical or biological compound.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the fiber yarn comprises at least one of plant-based fibers, animal-based fibers, or at least one synthetic fiber having a defined time period of biodegradation.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the plant-based fibers comprise linen, hemp, sisal, coconut coir, pineapple fiber, palm fiber, cotton, jute, bamboo, bagasse, abaca, kapok, kenaf, or arenga.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the animal-based fibers comprise alpaca wool, angora wool, bison wool, sheep wool, or silk.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one synthetic fiber is selected from the group consisting of poly(butyrate adipate terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(hydroxy alkanoates) (PHA), poly(succinates) PXS, poly(glycolates), poly(glycolate-lactate) copolymers (PGA, PLGA), polyamides, poly(glutamates), polypeptides, or polysaccharides.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the fiber yarn includes at least one chemical treatment or coating configured to extend or modify at least one property of at least one of the fiber yarn or the natural grass component, and wherein the at least one chemical treatment or coating includes beeswax, carnauba wax, shellac, absorbent agar hydrogel, hydroxyethyl cellulose, poly(hydroxyethyl methracrylate, plant hormones, plant nutrients, or mycorrhizae.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the soil bed is a dike.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the yarn comprises a blend of plant-based fibers, animal-based fibers, or biodegradable synthetic fibers.

10. A fiber yarn having at least one biodegradation characteristic for reinforcement of a natural grass component in a hybrid turf, comprising at least one of a plant-based fiber, an animal-based fiber, or at least one synthetic fiber having a defined time period of biodegradation.

11. The fiber yarn of claim 10, wherein the plant-based fiber comprises linen, hemp, sisal, coconut coir, pineapple fiber, palm fiber, cotton, jute, bamboo, bagasse, abaca, kapok, kenaf, or arenga.

12. The fiber yarn of claim 10, wherein the animal-based fiber comprises alpaca wool, angora wool, bison wool, sheep wool, or silk.

13. The fiber yarn of claim 10, wherein the at least one synthetic fiber is selected from the group consisting of poly(butyrate adipate terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(hydroxy alkanoates) (PHA), poly(succinates) PXS, poly(glycolates), poly(glycolate-lactate) copolymers (PGA, PLGA), polyamides, poly(glutamates), polypeptides, or polysaccharides.

14. The fiber yarn of claim 10, wherein the yarn comprises a blend of plant-based fibers, animal-based fibers, or biodegradable synthetic fibers.

15. The fiber yarn of claim 10, wherein the fibers include at least one chemical treatment or coating configured to extend or modify at least one property of at least one of the fiber yarn or the natural grass component.

16. The fiber yarn of claim 15, wherein the at least one chemical treatment or coating is a hydrophobic surface treatment.

17. The fiber yarn of claim 15, wherein the at least one chemical treatment or coating is a plant growth hormone or nutrient.

18. The fiber yarn of claim 15, wherein the at least one chemical treatment or coating is a hydrophilic surface treatment.

19. A method of reinforcing a hybrid turf system, comprising: fabricating a fiber yarn from at least one of a plant-based fiber, an animal-based fiber, or at least one synthetic fiber;tuning the fiber yarn in accordance with at least one biodegradation characteristic determined by at least one chemical treatment or coating, the at least one biodegradation characteristic including a defined time period of biodegradation; andapplying the tuned fiber yarn to a soil bed,wherein the at least one biodegradation characteristic includes a full or substantially full biodegradation in soil after application after a defined time period, andwherein the at least one chemical treatment or coating is configured to extend or modify at least one property of at least one of the fiber yarn or the natural grass component.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the soil bed is a dike.