Sustainability through Seeds and Science

Grasses are an important part of the sustainability principles of planet, people and profit. For the planet they sequester carbon, cool the environment in cities, clean water and prevent wind and water soil erosion.

People rely on grasses for many of their recreational activities, for green space and for animal feed. The production, care and usage of grass provides jobs throughout the world. Turf and forage grasses are genetically selected and managed forms of native grasslands which naturally occur in drier areas of the world than can support trees.

Turfgrasses sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide so can be a part of environmental solutions. Well maintained turfgrasses sequester more carbon even when hidden carbon costs are deducted. These hidden carbon costs include mowing (emissions, cost of fuel, manufacturing of mower), irrigation (delivery of water, pumping), fertilizer (manufacturing, packaging, delivery, application) and pesticides (manufacturing, packaging, delivery, application). In order to increase the sustainability of turfgrasses breeders should include selection for characteristics to reduce hidden carbon costs of turfgrasses. Improved sustainable turfgrass cultivars (such as A-LIST) will require less fertilizers, water and pesticides while continuing to sequester carbon and providing long term sustainability.

Agriculture and landscapes are highly exposed to climate changes, as farming activities and green areas directly depend on climatic conditions. For more than 30 years, DLF breeding and product development has optimized grass varieties ideal to local climatic and environmental conditions.