The root to..

    ...better, stronger and greener turf

    With changing environmental and climatic conditions, turf management has become more demanding. 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.
    The secret is in the roots of the plants. We have gained extensive knowledge about grass root architecture that can help you future-proof your business. 



    Through our worldwide R&D network and the one-of-a-kind RadiMax root screening facility, we have gained unique knowledge about the root architecture of our grass varieties. Results show that varieties with roots that go deep and have a high root mass, are better able to cope with changing environmental and climatic conditions like drought. Varieties with a deep root mass give a strong foundation resulting in more playing hours, better visual appearance, improved carbon sequestration and saves you money because of the reduced need for irrigation.   

    A deep root mass means:

    • Better growth during and after spring and early summer drought
    • Less repair and more playing hours 
    • Better visual appearance and less maintenance 
    • Less input of resources as water and fertilizer 

    Varieties verified by RadiMax

    4turf® (Tetraploid Perennial ryegrass) varieties:

    Tall Fescue varieties: 

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

    Turf managers do not have to risk losing newly sown turf to spring drought. Our ProNitro® seed coating gives their tender new plants the targeted nutrition they need to get ahead with stronger growth and deeper roots. ProNitro®-coated seeds produce seedlings that establish faster and grow 30% longer roots. This gives them a greater capacity to survive a spring drought. 

    About RadiMax  

    A fast root growth is always an important factor as it helps the plant establish faster. The root architecture is also very important under drought situations where there is still water at deeper soil layers.
    Together with Copenhagen University, DLF is testing the root architecture of varieties at the worlds most advanced root screening facility, RadiMax. It enables imaging of roots down to 3.0 m depth and at the same time the grasses can be exposed to increasing drought conditions through a soil moisture gradient, which can be induced in the system. In this way, we can screen the root architecture of our varieties and find out which ones can perform under drought conditions. 

    RadiMax cross section of the RadiMax root screening facility
    A cross section of the RadiMax root screening facility