“Just one acre of grass can absorb hundreds of pounds of fossil-fuel created sulfur dioxide in a single year.”
- Source: Maryland Turfgrass Survey – An Economic Value Study, Maryland Agricultural Statistics Service
In recent years progress seems to have been made in improving our air quality; but the levels of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter in our atmosphere, primarily from the burning of carbon based fuels, are still a major concern worldwide.
While there is much that we can do to reduce some of these pollutants, the Turf Resource Center reports that we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that plants absorb these gaseous pollutants into their leaves and assimilate them, thereby cleaning the air.
The Maryland Turfgrass Council reports that an acre of flourishing turfgrass will absorb hundreds of pounds of sulfur dioxide during a year. Grass also takes in carbon dioxide, hydrogen fluoride and peroxyacetyl nitrate ² the worst group of atmospheric pollutants.
Grasses also trap an estimated 12 million tons of dust and dirt released annually into the atmosphere. This dust, dirt and even smoke is trapped in part by the grass leaves, where it is washed into the soil system by water condensed on the leaves and rainfall. Grassed areas significantly lower the levels of atmospheric dust and pollutants.
Our air is also cleansed by plants through the process of photosynthesis. Green plants take in carbon dioxide and water and use the energy from sunlight in photosynthesis, which produces organic compounds and releases the true breath of life ... pure oxygen. A turf area 50' x 50' produces enough oxygen to meet the every day needs of a family of four!