By the way, in an earlier post in this thread, I quoted Dr. James B. Beard's work defining some of the limitless positive attributes of turfgrass. A couple readers here responded that my sources were not credible, or that they were, "questionable," at best. Dr. Beard is the forefather of modern American turf and especially Athletic and Golf turf which surpasses the standard requirements for most the best home lawns. If my need to validate my own use for turfgrass went beyond me and my kids playing catch and my girls practicing for cheerleading and sports, I would quote Dr. Beard without hesitation. You may stake the validity of claims that turfgrass is beneficial on that cushy feeling it gives the soles of bare feet.
Here is but a brief recap of some of Dr. Beard's major work
Beard’s classic Turfgrass: Science and Culture, published in 1973 and still in print, continues as the only true treatise ever written regarding turfgrass science. Much of the book was written within the walls of the MSU (Michigan State) Main Library. His Turf Management for Golf Courses, first released in 1982 and revised in 2002, remains the best-selling reference work in the field. Beard also recently published Beard’s Turfgrass Encyclopedia for Golf Courses – Grounds – Lawns – Sports Fields with the Michigan State University Press.
Dr. Beard served at Michigan State University from 1961–1975, and at Texas A&M University from 1975–1992. After his retirement from Texas A&M, he became President and Chief Scientist of the International Sports Turf Institute.
(If ya wanna try to get a rise out of me, call me a counterfeit.)