Roots

The Root To Better, Stronger, And Greener Turf

Managing turf is becoming increasingly demanding with changing environmental and climatic conditions. To meet these changing needs, we have screened grass varieties to see which can grow better under difficult conditions like spring and early summer drought, and use nutrients more efficiently to improve the strength and health of the plant. Our research on grass root architecture shows that strong roots are essential and can help you future-proof your business.

Through our extensive global R&D network, we have invested significant resources in studying the root architecture of our grass varieties. Our state-of-the-art RadiMax root screening facility, has played a crucial role in acquiring unique insights into the nature of root systems.

The findings have consistently demonstrated that grass varieties with deep and extensive root systems exhibit superior resilience in the face of changing environmental and climatic conditions, particularly during periods of drought. The advantages of deep-rooted grass varieties are twofold. Firstly, they provide a strong foundation for the turf, ensuring enhanced stability and durability, making the playing surface more suitable for extended hours of play. Secondly, their improved access to water and nutrients allows them to maintain a lush and appealing appearance, even in challenging conditions.

Furthermore, these deep-rooted grass varieties contribute to significant environmental benefits. By establishing a larger root mass and reaching deeper into the soil, they enhance carbon sequestration aiding in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, their ability to withstand drought reduces the reliance on irrigation, resulting in significant cost savings and reduced water consumption.

What A Deep Root Means

Our in-depth understanding of root architecture and its correlation with the performance of grass, has enabled us to offer grass varieties that are specifically bred to meet the demands of changing environmental and climatic conditions. By selecting grasses with robust and deep-rooted characteristics, we can help our customers achieve sustainable and resilient turf solutions that deliver both functional and aesthetic benefits.

  • Better growth and greater resilience towards early summer drought
  • Less repair and more playing hours
  • Better visual appearance and less maintenance
  • Less input of resources such as water and fertilizer

About RadiMax

In collaboration with University of Copenhagen, DLF is conducting groundbreaking research on the root architecture of grasses using RadiMax, a cutting-edge root screening facility. Understanding root architecture is especially important during times of drought, as deeper layers of soil store more water. Another important factor in terms of plant establishment is fast root growth.

By employing RadiMax, we are able to analyze root architecture to a depth of 3 meters, while also using a controlled soil moisture gradient to subject the grass to varying levels of drought. This allows us to evaluate root architecture of our grass varieties and identify those that exhibit the highest level of resilience and the best visual appearance in drought conditions.

A deep root mass means

  • Better growth during and after spring and early summer drought
  • Reliable forage production and a higher degree of self-sufficiency
  • Optimal use of input resources e.g. fertilizer, with higher feed quality as a result
  • A future-proof solution to buffer against environmental and climatic extremes e.g. drought
  • Improved soil structure Sustainable forage production​

Seeds coated with ProNitro® have what it takes to prepare for a spring drought

Turf managers can eliminate the risk of losing newly sown turf to spring drought by utilizing our innovative ProNitro® seed coating. This advanced technology provides essential and targeted nutrition to nurture delicate new plants, promoting vigorous growth, and deeper root development.

Faster establishment and a remarkable 30% increase in root length can be achieved by incorporating ProNitro-coated seeds into turf management. This significant enhancement in root growth equips the plants with an increased ability to withstand and overcome challenging spring drought conditions, ensuring their survival and long-term vitality.

Find Your Perfect Mixture

Download the DLF Masterline Brochure

Discover the full DLF Masterline range in one clear, easy-to-use guide. This brochure brings together expert seed knowledge, detailed product information, and practical guidance to help you choose the right grass and forage solutions for your land. Share some details below and we will send it directly to your email inbox or phone instantly 

Find Your Perfect Mixture

Masterline® by DLF

The Masterline® mixtures are designed for golf courses, stadiums, parks, etc. The mixtures consist of very fine-leafed and dense-growing, quality varieties. For enhanced performance two varieties of each species are always used in the mixtures.

Johnstons

For over 175 years Johnsons Sports Seed mixtures have been equivalent to quality sports turf with an unequalled reputation for technical excellence, reflecting the standards set by the people who use them - those who lead the way in sports turf management.

MM

The MM Brand is one of the oldest most respected professional brands in the UK Industry with over 40 years knowledge in grass and wildflower seed. Our product portfolio is second to none with performance proven mixtures, that are used at elite professional stadiums, golf courses and international tennis centres.

Designer

The latest Designer range of grass and wild flower seed contain mixtures and varieties that have been formulated over the last 30 years to withstand the UK climate and demands of the modern day sports and amenity professional.

Contact the amenity team

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Grow Your Knowledge

Gromax

Maximise plant development. Gromax is a dry formulation of natural humates and humic acids, seaweed extract, a proprietary blend of natural sugars (sucrose), vitamins (B complax & K), soluble potash and buffering agents. The product is compatible with most micro-nutrients, fertilisers and pesticides.

4turf®

4turf® is developed to help turf professionals grow a greener, stronger and more resiliant turf – also under stressful conditions. This is something truly special. Our 4turf® is a new generation of turf tetraploid perennial ryegrass varieties offering a wide range of benefits.

Roots

Managing turf is becoming increasingly demanding with changing environmental and climatic conditions. To meet these changing needs, we have screened grass varieties to see which can grow better under difficult conditions like spring and early summer drought, and use nutrients more efficiently to improve the strength and health of the plant. Our research on grass root architecture shows that strong roots are essential and can help you future-proof your business.

Clearsky®

Management of airport grass prevents animal hazards and will reduce maintenance costs.

Microclover®

Imagine if you could have sustainable grass that stays dark green most of the year - even during dry spells. With Microclover® seed you can grow a green turf all year round – with minimum effort. Microclover is one the few plant species that produces its own nitrogen fertiliser.

Brown Patch

Choosing varieties with high brown-patch resistance reduces your reliance on fungicides, and gives you a better pitch quality, more playing hours and increased peace of mind.

Pronitro®

Time is money - try out Pronitro® for faster, stronger and more powerful establishment.

DLF Select

DLF select is a quality program to bring professional turf managers reliable access to the highest purity seed stocks they demand.

4turf

4turf® is developed to help turf professionals grow a greener, stronger and more sustainable turf – even in the most stressful conditions.

GroMax

Biostimulants assist the seedlings ability to take advantage of the soil's own inherent reserves of nutrient by stimulating the soil's microflora. resulting im improved root growth and establishment.

4Salt

4salt is developed for areas with salinity problems and limitations on irrigation water, helping turf professionals grow a persistent turf under harsh conditions.

Technical Data

Download The DLF Masterline Brochure

Our DLF Masterline Brochure is packed full of expert advice and tips and you can download it on the link below!