# Spatial Variation in Turf Surface Properties of Polo Pitches: A Case Study of Different Handicaps of Argentina

## TL;DR

This study shows how to monitor and improve polo fields using low-cost tools, helping ensure better playability and horse welfare.

## Contribution

The study introduces a practical, low-cost framework for evaluating spatial variability in polo pitches using field-based instruments.

## Key findings

- Volumetric moisture content and impact firmness are key indicators of surface behavior.
- Spatial variability within pitches can be detected and classified with high accuracy.
- Lightweight tools enable effective surface monitoring for better turf management.

## Abstract

This study shows that spatial variability in polo fields can be evaluated using low-cost, portable tools, providing clubs and governing bodies with practical methods for routine surface monitoring. Identifying volumetric moisture content (VMC%) and impact firmness (ITD) as key indicators supports the development of objective, evidence-based criteria for field maintenance and assessment. Detecting variability within pitches, particularly on natural soil surfaces, allows more efficient allocation of resources to improve surface consistency, playability, and equine welfare. The ability to classify fields by handicap level with high accuracy (85–90%) offers a data-driven framework for benchmarking and performance auditing. Overall, the use of lightweight tools facilitates regular monitoring and supports a shift toward empirical, field-based evaluation practices, contributing to improved management decisions and the long-term quality and sustainability of polo playing surfaces.

Polo is a high-speed equestrian sport that imposes mechanical demands on horses and turf, yet limited research has examined the functional behavior of polo playing surfaces. This study characterizes the spatial variability of mechanical surface properties across turf polo pitches representing high-, medium-, and low-handicap categories. Three fields were assessed using lightweight field-based instruments, including the Impact Test Device (ITD), Rotational Peak Shear (RPS) tester, Going Stick© for penetration (GSP) and shear (GSS), and a TDR probe for volumetric moisture content (VMC%). A total of 210–223 grid-based sampling points per pitch were analyzed to evaluate mechanical responses under vertical and horizontal loading conditions. Significant differences among pitches were observed, with ITD and VMC emerging as the indicators of surface behaviour. Spatial analysis revealed heterogeneous within-pitch patterns, expressed as directional gradients and localized variability. Linear discriminant analysis demonstrated that the combined measurements could differentiate pitches associated with different handicap levels with high classification accuracy (0.88). Although the applied instruments do not replicate full equine biomechanical loading, they proved effective in detecting spatial variability in surface uniformity, a functional property relevant to performance and equine welfare. These findings support integration of spatially explicit surface assessments into routine turf management practices.