Market Trends of Turf Protection Industry
Increasing Development of the Golf Courses and Sports Field
- Turf protection plays an important role in maintaining the turf grasses of golf courses and sports fields. Golf course turf grass is carefully maintained by a greenskeeper to control weeds and insects. Turf protection products keep the course attractive and in outstanding playing condition. Turf grass will become stronger and more resilient due to the products used for turf protection, which promotes growth and supplies vital nutrients. Healthy turf can be maintained using biocontrol agents, or dying or dormant turf can be revived.
- Economic growth, urbanization, and the emergence of new pests and diseases are driving the demand for professional pest management products in sports fields and golf courses. Customers are increasingly seeking targeted and effective solutions that also minimize environmental impact. North America leads as the dominant market for turf protection on a global scale. In contrast, Europe and Asia present significant growth opportunities for the turf protection industry. This expansion is fueled by a rising number of golfers and the adoption of sports fields that prioritize controlled and sustainable turf growth. For instance, the European Union saw a 6% increase in registered golfers from 2020 to 2022, totaling 4.57 million players. As a result, the global surge in golf and sports enthusiasts is expected to drive a substantial future increase in demand for turf protection products.
North America Dominates the Market
- North America leads the turf protection market, outpacing other regions in revenue generation. The region's growth is fueled by the presence of major industry players and a rising number of sports fields. Turf in North America faces challenges from various pests and diseases, diminishing the aesthetic appeal of lawns and sports fields. To combat these issues, the adoption of turf protection products has surged, propelling market growth.
- According to Texas A&M University, the U.S. turfgrass industry boasts an economic impact exceeding USD 60 billion annually. Texas ranks as the nation's second-largest sod producer. This sod finds applications in new parks, sports fields, golf courses, commercial lawns, cemeteries, airport and industrial grounds, and highway roadsides. Such diverse applications underscore the turfgrass industry's significant economic contributions, emphasizing the importance of sustaining sod production. This reliance on sod production amplifies the nationwide demand for turf protection chemicals.
- Moreover, numerous regional research studies have validated the market's benefits, bolstering its growth. For example, in 2023, researchers from the University of Delaware, alongside students from Pennsylvania State University, explored eco-friendly solutions for dollar spot diseases in golf courses. Their findings, published in Biological Control J, highlighted UD1022—a UD-patented microbe—as an effective alternative to chemical fungicides. Hence, given the rising number of sports fields, the introduction of new turf protection products, and the factors discussed, the North American turf protection market is poised for growth in the coming years.