The key to healthy greens? The soil

If we are honest, we often forget what green management is really about: the basics, the soil. Grass doesn't grow on magic; it grows on healthy soil. Yet sometimes that understanding remains far off. We reach for fertilizer as if it's the solution to everything. But without good soil, even the best fertilizer is wasted.

Everything starts with a soil analysis. No shortcuts, no standard recipes. First understand, then solve. This is essential for a sustainable approach. It's not about sales or marketing, it's about making the right choice for the specific soil you're working with. Whether you buy from supplier X or Y doesn't matter, as long as it fits what the soil really needs.

It amazes me how many professionals are still nitrogen addicted. More nitrogen seems to be the magic mantra, but what they forget is, a plant doesn't live on fertilizer alone. Just as a human cannot survive on fast food, grass needs more than a quick boost. It's about balance, diversity and sustainability. This applies not only to golf courses and sports fields, but also to individuals with small lawns.

The goal must go beyond quick profits. Sustainable techniques such as drought-resistant grasses or integrated pest management make green management future-proof. It is a long-term investment that not only saves costs but also reduces our ecological footprint.

Whether it's golf courses or a simple lawn, the message remains the same: healthy greens start with healthy soil. And that's a responsibility we all share.  

Nicolas De Schutter has been active in the world of green space and turf management for more than 20 years. He advocates an approach that looks beyond quick results and focuses on healthy soil as the foundation for long-term success. His mission? Transforming green management with knowledge, independent advice and sustainable techniques.