What is the term for the accumulation of organic material on the surface of turf?

The term for the accumulation of organic material on the surface of turf is thatch. Thatch consists of a layer of dead and living plant material, such as grass clippings, roots, and stems, that build up between the soil surface and the green grass blades. It is important to manage thatch in turf care because while some thatch can be beneficial for moisture retention and providing nutrients, excessive thatch can lead to problems such as increased pest issues, disease susceptibility, and poor water and nutrient infiltration.

Granule typically refers to small, solid particles that can be used in various contexts, but it does not specifically denote the accumulation of organic material on the surface. Mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of soil, primarily for moisture retention, temperature moderation, and weed control, and while it can be beneficial, it differs from thatch as it is usually a layer applied rather than an accumulation of organic material formed by the grass itself. Compost, on the other hand, is decomposed organic matter that is often added to soil to improve its nutrient content but is not something that accumulates on the surface of turf in the same way that thatch does. Therefore, the correct term for the accumulation of organic material on the surface