SGL relaunches TurfPod

Derk Pellein Turf Management

Redesigned from the ground up, the new TurfPod tracks six growth factors in real time and connects seamlessly to TurfBase Sports, making live, data-driven pitch management more reliable than ever.

The new and improved TurfPod Waddinxveen, the Netherlands — 1 October, 2026 — SGL today announced the general availability of the new TurfPod, a completely rebuilt version of its grass-monitoring sensor. Redesigned from the ground up based on extensive customer feedback, the improved TurfPod delivers reliable, real-time insight into the microclimate of any playing surface, and forms a core building block of the wider SGL ecosystem.

Together with TurfBase Sports, the TurfPod lets grounds managers create a living digital twin of their pitch: a continuously updating, data-driven picture of what’s happening both above and below the surface. Instead of relying on instinct alone, teams can see conditions change in real time and make objective, justifiable maintenance decisions before every game.

Built on everything we’ve learned Every component of the new TurfPod has been redesigned for consistent performance in demanding, real-world environments, minimising downtime and maximising data accuracy. The device has been extensively tested in stadiums around the world, across different climates and conditions, to ensure reliable performance even under the toughest circumstances.

Key improvements in the new generation include:

  • A robust, redesigned exterior engineered for reliability in the field.
  • A new protective sleeve that covers the pins when the TurfPod is not in use, for a safer and more intuitive experience.
  • Seamless NFC connection to TurfBase Sports, delivering instant, actionable insight to support data-driven decisions.
  • Full backward compatibility, so the new TurfPod works alongside older units already in the ground.
A complete picture of the microclimate TurfPod tracks six essential growth factors across both soil and surface conditions: air temperature, soil temperature, PAR light, salinity, humidity, and soil moisture, giving grounds teams a highly accurate view of their pitch’s microclimate. With multiple TurfPods, teams can map differences across a surface, monitor an unlimited number of pitches, and act precisely where action is needed.

That precision translates directly into efficiency. By using only the water, nutrients, and resources a pitch actually needs, grounds teams can reduce waste and costs while lowering their environmental footprint.

Smart technology, always connected With 4G connectivity and built-in GPS, the TurfPod continuously transfers data to TurfBase Sports, so grounds managers can instantly see where and when problem areas appear. Wireless charging, cloud-based storage, and full IoT integration keep teams connected to their playing surface 24/7.

We listened closely to the people who use TurfPod every day and rebuilt it around their needs. The result is a more reliable sensor and, more importantly, a stronger foundation for the digital twin at the heart of the SGL ecosystem.

— Mark Trübenbacher, CEO at SGL

What grounds teams are saying I couldn’t really fault the new TurfPod during testing, the experience has been very positive, and I’m genuinely excited about the full rollout. The most noticeable improvement for me is the consistency of the data readings, and the GPS performance is significantly better than in the old TurfPods.

— Oliver Deeming, FC Copenhagen

Availability and pricing The new TurfPod is available now on a subscription basis starting at €67 per month, no large upfront investment required. Every subscription includes the TurfBase Sports Live data module, full service, maintenance, and free replacements. An optional Advanced data module adds GPS-based data overviews, in-depth VPD, ET and DLI analysis, out-of-range alerts, and heatmaps.