Research Priorities - National Turfgrass Research Foundation (NTRF)

Research Priorities & Impact

The National Turfgrass Research Foundation supports research that responds to real-world challenges facing turfgrass systems across Canada. Our approach is grounded in industry insight, scientific rigor, and a commitment to generating outcomes that are practical, measurable, and relevant.

Our Approach to Supporting Research that Matters

Strong turfgrass systems require research that reflects changing environmental conditions, evolving performance expectations, and the realities of day-to-day management.

NTRF prioritizes research that:

Addresses current and emerging industry challenges

Advances sustainability and environmental stewardship

Supports practical, applied outcomes

Encourages collaboration between researchers and industry

Our goal is to ensure funded research delivers value not only in theory, but in practice.

Research Priority Areas

NTRF focuses its funding on key areas where research can drive meaningful improvement and long-term resilience. Priority areas may evolve over time to reflect industry needs and emerging issues.

Environmental Sustainability & Resource Efficiency

Research that supports responsible water use, nutrient management, and reduced environmental impact while maintaining healthy, functional turfgrass systems.

Soil Health & Root Systems

Projects that improve understanding of soil biology, structure, and root development to support stronger, more resilient turf from the ground up.

Climate Resilience & Adaptation

Research that helps turfgrass systems adapt to changing climate conditions, including temperature extremes, variable precipitation, and stress tolerance.

Turf Performance & Playability

Studies that balance performance expectations with sustainability, supporting safe, high-quality playing surfaces across golf, sports, and community landscapes.

Integrated Pest & Disease Management

Research that advances science-based approaches to pest and disease control, emphasizing prevention, resistance management, and reduced reliance on inputs.

Knowledge Transfer & Applied Innovation

Initiatives that strengthen how research findings are shared, understood, and applied within the industry.

How Priorities Are Set

NTRF’s research priorities are informed through a structured, transparent process that includes:

Insights gathered through the Research Matters Survey

Input from industry professionals and stakeholders

Review by NTRF leadership and Board

Consideration of scientific merit, feasibility, and potential impact

This approach ensures funding decisions are both evidence-based and aligned with industry needs.

Measuring Research Impact

Impact is not defined by publications alone. NTRF considers research successful when it:

Supports practical application in the field

Contributes to more sustainable management practices

Encourages collaboration between industry and academia

Strengthens knowledge-sharing across turfgrass community

Where appropriate, NTRF shares high-level summaries of outcomes to highlight trends, learning, and progress.

From Priorities to Funded Research

The priorities outlined above guide the projects NTRF supports through its funding programs and Requests for Proposals.

Explore the research projects supported by NTRF:

Research Library

Looking Ahead

The challenges facing turfgrass systems continue to evolve. NTRF remains committed to listening, learning, and adapting its priorities to ensure research funding delivers lasting value to the industry and the environments it supports.

Research priorities are reviewed periodically to reflect industry insight, emerging challenges, and opportunities for impact.

Take the Research Matters Survey