4turf® helps sod producers face a drier future

The challenge is no longer to produce high-quality sod. The challenge is producing the sod consistently under increasingly unpredictable conditions.

Extended dry spells place stress on turf throughout the sod production cycle. Establishment becomes more difficult, recovery after stress takes longer, and maintaining uniformity across production fields requires greater irrigation input. Even when sufficient irrigation is available, many producers are asking the same question:

How can we produce the same quality turf while using water more efficiently?

This is where DLF’s 4turf® tetraploid perennial ryegrass offers clear advantages.

Bigger seed, stronger start

One of the key characteristics of 4turf® is its larger seed compared with traditional diploid perennial ryegrass. The larger seed contains greater energy reserves, allowing seedlings to establish rapidly and develop stronger root systems from the earliest growth stages. Faster establishment is valuable in sod production, but it becomes particularly important when young plants are exposed to heat or drought stress.

4turf® varieties also germinate at lower temperatures than traditional perennial ryegrasses, giving sod producers greater flexibility when establishing new crops. Quicker establishment and faster ground cover help create a more uniform turf stand while reducing the vulnerability of young seedlings to environmental stress.

Rooting depth makes the difference

When drought arrives, what happens below the surface becomes critical.

Years of breeding and development have produced 4turf® varieties with strong roots that allow plants to access water deeper within the soil profile. This fast root growth and more extensive root system helps turf maintain performance during dry periods and recover more quickly when rainfall or irrigation returns.

For sod producers, this means a turf that better maintain quality and performance during extended periods of dry weather. Even on irrigated sod farms, stronger roots can provide an important buffer between irrigation cycles, helping maintain plant health and turf quality during periods of high evapotranspiration and high temperatures. While irrigation remains essential, deeper rooting faster helps turf make the most of available moisture and maintain quality for longer during dry conditions.

However, drought is only part of the challenge. Across Europe, sod producers are experiencing a wider range of weather extremes, from prolonged dry periods and heatwaves to sudden rainfall events and fluctuating temperatures. Turf varieties need to cope with these challenges both during sod production and after installation.

4turf® have consistently demonstrated excellent tolerance to environmental stresses, including drought, cold and disease pressure. The larger seeds with enhanced chloroplast activity also supports efficient photosynthesis, helping plants maintain colour and vitality during stressful periods. For sod producers, this means a turf that is better equipped to withstand challenging growing conditions and recover when favourable conditions return.

Proven performance from a proven concept

Many years of breeding and development have made 4turf® one of DLF’s most recognised turfgrass concepts. Today, 4turf® varieties dominate official turf recommendations across Europe and are consistently ranked among the leading tetraploid perennial ryegrasses on national turf lists.

The concept has already proven its value on some of Europe’s most demanding turf surfaces, from professional football stadiums to racecourses where fast establishment, wear tolerance and recovery are essential.

These same characteristics are increasingly relevant to sod production, where climate challenges are putting greater pressure on growers every year.

Preparing for the future

The drought conditions experienced this summer have highlighted a reality that many sod producers already recognise – water will remain a critical resource – and making the most efficient use of it will become increasingly important.

While irrigation will always play a vital role in professional sod production, grass genetics can make a significant contribution to crop resilience. By combining fast establishment, deeper rooting and proven drought tolerance, 4turf® offers sod producers an additional tool to help manage risk and maintain consistent production in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

As weather patterns continue to evolve, choosing grasses that are better equipped to cope with environmental stress may become one of the most important decisions a sod producer can make. In that respect, 4turf® is helping growers prepare not only for next season, but for the future of sod production itself.