From pitch data to better decisions: how TurfPods support Legia Warsaw
At Legia Warsaw, Facility Manager Łukasz Lipiec uses SGL’s TurfPods and TurfBase to monitor conditions at Polish Army Stadium and the club’s training facilities, helping his team identify potential risks and make more informed decisions throughout the year.
With three TurfPods installed across these locations, Łukasz can monitor conditions beneath the grass and follow changes over time through TurfBase, SGL’s data dashboard.
For him, the value of data lies not simply in collecting measurements, but in understanding what they mean for the pitch and how they can support his team’s work.
Understanding what happens beneath the surface
Temperature, soil moisture and salinity all influence growing conditions. By monitoring these parameters together, grounds teams can gain a clearer picture of what is happening beneath the grass and how the growing environment is changing.
At Legia Warsaw, two TurfPods are being used at the main stadium and one at the training facility. The continuous measurements help Łukasz identify changes that may need further investigation.
“Data is the future. In my opinion, if you have data, you win,” says Łukasz.
He emphasises the importance of considering different parameters together rather than relying on a single measurement.
“You need to look at all the parameters, not just one. Sometimes you need to consider temperature, moisture and soil salinity together.”
This is particularly useful when assessing conditions that may favour fungal pathogen development. Temperature and moisture readings help the team recognise potential risks and decide whether further investigation or action is needed. The data provides additional insight, supporting the team’s observations and experience.
Monitoring conditions during frost
Weather creates different challenges throughout the year. During a period of frost lasting around three weeks, the TurfPods helped Łukasz monitor conditions beneath the pitch covers while the undersoil heating was operating.
The measurements showed a temperature difference of approximately 10°C between the conditions beneath the covers and those outside. This gave the team a better understanding of the environment around the grass and helped them follow conditions during a period when maintaining suitable temperatures was particularly important.
Rather than relying solely on what could be observed at the surface, Łukasz could use the readings to gain insight into what was happening beneath the covers.
More insight between pitch inspections
Manual measurements remain an important part of pitch management at Legia Warsaw. Before matches, Łukasz still takes TDR readings at multiple points across the pitch to assess conditions in different areas.
The TurfPods complement this process by providing continuous measurements at selected locations. Through TurfBase, Łukasz can check the latest readings remotely and follow changes without needing to take a manual measurement every time he wants an update.
“You can access the results in one place and see what is happening at a glance.”
This makes it easier to monitor conditions between inspections and identify readings that may require closer attention. The TurfPods work alongside the team’s existing measurements, giving Łukasz another source of information to support his decisions.
The data also helps with decisions about grow lighting. By monitoring conditions and considering the grass’s requirements, Łukasz can better assess when additional lighting is needed and when it can be switched off. This helps the team avoid unnecessary lighting and operating costs.
Learning from historical data
The benefits extend beyond monitoring current conditions. Historical data allows the team to review previous seasons, compare weather conditions and investigate why certain problems occurred.
“You can look back at the data from a year ago, see what the weather was like and understand how the grass was growing. You can identify what caused a problem, or why there was no problem at all.”
This historical perspective helps the team build a better understanding of how the pitch responds to different circumstances. When similar conditions return, previous measurements can provide useful context for deciding how to proceed.
Supporting the whole team
For Łukasz, technology is most valuable when combined with practical experience. The grounds team discusses the readings, considers whether parameters are within the expected range and puts the information into context, including the impact of training and maintenance activities.
“It is fantastic to have a good team. People are interested in the data and ask whether certain parameters are too high or too low. The device is there to help us, not to create problems.”
The TurfPods do not replace the team’s expertise or existing measurements. Instead, they provide additional insight to help the team understand changing conditions, investigate potential risks and make informed decisions.
At Legia Warsaw, continuous monitoring and historical data give Łukasz Lipiec and his team a clearer picture of what is happening beneath the grass. By combining this information with their knowledge of the pitch, they can turn data into practical insights and make better-informed decisions throughout the year.
