'Grass is essentially a solution for everything' |
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Interview with Erik Dolstra and Thomas van Tetering of DLF
'Grass is essentially a solution for everything,' says Thomas van Tetering, product manager at grass breeder DLF. A statement that may sound light at first, but in the context of climate change, biodiversity and sustainable management it is gaining meaning. Whether it concerns sports fields, golf courses or urban parks, grass plays a key role in future challenges.
| Erik Dolstra and Thomas van Tetering. |
DLF works on that future every day. 'Grass breeding is a slow process,' says Erik Dolstra, recreation grasses specialist. 'We count on about 15 years from first selection to a commercial variety. That means we have to work on tomorrow's solutions today.' DLF takes a practical approach. When diseases or problems occur on a field, Dolstra visits in person. 'We literally take a grass plug, send it to our lab and determine which disease is involved. We also use that information in further breeding.' What sets DLF apart is the close cooperation between breeders and in-house plant pathologists who focus full-time on grass diseases. That is necessary, as disease pressure is increasing. Not only because of climate change, but also because grass plants become more vulnerable due to reduced fertilisation, drought or a combination of factors. DNA analyses show that it is rarely a single disease. 'Often it is a cocktail of diseases that together become fatal for the plant,' says Van Tetering. 'Then it does not help if your grass is resistant to only one disease.' A current example is the rise of grey leaf spot, a fungal disease that is appearing more often in the Netherlands. 'Ten years ago we hardly saw it here,' Van Tetering explains. 'But different winters, field heating and artificial lighting change the microclimate. That gives new diseases room to establish.'
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'Too much or the wrong light can cause stress or encourage diseases'
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Technology intended to strengthen grass can also have unwanted effects. The popular grow lights used in stadiums, for example, also carry risks. 'Too much or the wrong light can cause stress or encourage diseases,' Van Tetering explains. 'We are currently researching that as well.' Because new varieties take years to develop, DLF also looks for quick wins. One example is the use of 4turf, tetraploid perennial ryegrass in sports fields. 'They are naturally stronger and more tolerant to diseases,' says Dolstra. 'We see that they are now used by almost all Premier League clubs in the Netherlands.' DLF also focuses on the right combination of species in mixtures. 'By mixing varieties with different strengths, you create a more robust turf,' says Van Tetering. 'If a disease strikes, the whole turf is not affected.' For field managers and greenkeepers, DLF offers mixtures that respond to current needs: lower input, less water and higher wear tolerance. 'The challenge is finding the right balance,' says Dolstra. 'You want a healthy plant, but also a functional field. That requires smart choices in varieties, management and fertilisation.'
Microclover
The innovation of microclover in sports and recreational fields is gaining ground. This nitrogen-fixing plant strengthens the turf and reduces the need for fertiliser. 'We are currently researching the maintenance of microclover fields over five years,' Dolstra explains. 'How do you keep it vital, also at the less intensively used edges of a field? We set up trials, measure playing standards and test wear tolerance with special machines.' The results are promising. Van Tetering: 'On some fields, microclover even scores better in playing characteristics than traditional turf. Especially for amateur clubs, this is an interesting development.'
Front runners
Golf courses and professional sports fields are often front runners in grass innovation. 'We call it the elite market,' says Van Tetering. 'The questions are sharper and the pressure is higher. What works there will eventually filter through to amateur clubs, public parks and urban green spaces.' Although this elite market is relatively small, it sets the tone. In professional sports there is growing attention for management adapted to new conditions. Van Tetering: 'It is no longer just about a perfectly green turf, but about a turf that is functional, strong and stress tolerant. That also requires a different mindset from greenkeepers and field managers.'
The city as testing ground
Grass is also gaining new functions in urban areas. Examples include green parking spaces, tram tracks with grass or even complete green streets with only two wheel tracks. 'These applications require species that can cope with heat and drought,' says Van Tetering. 'Tall fescue and microclover perform well there. They root deeply, sustain themselves and can buffer water.' That buffering capacity is important as extreme rainfall becomes more frequent. 'We are testing which grass species drain water the fastest,' Dolstra says. 'That makes grass part of the solution rather than the problem.' The same applies to parks. 'There is often no budget for irrigation or fertilisation,' Van Tetering explains. 'So you need grass plants that can manage on their own. When redesigning a park, choose a future-proof mixture from the start.'
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'Drones help with measuring, but the human eye remains better at assessing diseases or deviations'
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Breeding remains human work, both men emphasise. They regularly work in the greenhouses and on the fields of the DLF breeding station in Moerstraten. Although AI is promising, it is still the breeder's eye that makes the difference. DLF also uses technology. With DNA genome selection, they can predict at an early stage whether a variety is tolerant to drought or diseases, as well as other traits. This can shorten development time from 15 to around 12 years. 'But everything still has to be proven in practice,' Dolstra says. 'The field remains leading.' Van Tetering adds: 'Drones help with measuring, but the human eye remains better at assessing diseases or deviations.'
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'Together with the people in the field, we shape the future'
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According to Dolstra and Van Tetering, grass will return to many more places in the coming years. 'Between tram tracks, on roofs, on schoolyards. Grass can buffer water, cool the environment, contribute to biodiversity and even support mental health. We already see a shift: away from artificial turf, back to natural grass. And rightly so. Grass is strong. It grows between paving stones, recovers quickly and adapts to many conditions. So yes,' they conclude, 'grass really is a solution for everything.' For greenkeepers, field managers and urban managers, this means that solutions are in development, but smart choices can already be made today. And if a problem occurs? 'Call us,' says Van Tetering. 'We will come and take a look. Together with the people in the field, we shape the future.'
This article was previously published on 24 February 2026 on the Fieldmanager](https://www.fieldmanager.nl/article/53012/gras-is-eigenlijk-een-oplossing-voor-alles]Fieldmanager) website.
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