Our resorts, golf courses could use climate-smart turfgrass 

 
Part 1
Bangladesh experiences a subtropical monsoon climate, marked by distinct seasonal variations, high temperatures, elevated humidity, and substantial rainfall during the monsoon months. In recent decades, the country has recorded a measurable increase in both average and maximum temperatures, with certain regions warming more rapidly than others. This trend mirrors global climate change patterns and is expected to continue, potentially leading to more frequent and intense heat waves. Between 1976 and 2019, Bangladesh's mean temperature rose by approximately 0.5?°C. Climate projections indicate a further increase of 1.4°C to 5.8°C between 1990 and 2100. By 2025, some areas are already experiencing temperatures ranging from 41°C to 48°C. This warming presents serious challenges. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events-prolonged heat waves, shortened winters, and extended summers-poses major threats not only to agriculture but also to turfgrass maintenance on golf courses and resorts across the country.

A lawn is typically a plot of land covered with grass, maintained for aesthetic or recreational use. It may be established by sowing seeds or planting vegetative materials. In horticulture, "turf" refers to grass that is mowed and maintained for functional purposes. Golf courses rely on high-quality turfgrass to provide both visual appeal and consistent playing surfaces. Proper turf selection depends heavily on local climate conditions. Maintaining lush, green turf is essential for golf courses and resorts, where both appearance and performance matter.

Unlike lawns, which are valued for their soft, green texture and are often walked on barefoot, golf course turf must meet stricter performance standards. Golfers require the ball to sit cleanly on the turf without interference from blades of grass. Even minimal obstruction can alter the ball's spin or accuracy. On putting greens, turf must allow the ball to roll smoothly at a consistent speed-achievable only through precision mowing and grooming that meet international specifications.

A golf course's turf is divided into several zones based on mowing height and functional needs. Putting greens are maintained at no more than 4 mm, while the surrounding apron area is mowed to around 8 mm. Tee areas are typically kept at 10 mm, and fairways-the main areas of play-are mowed to about 13 mm. First-cut roughs are maintained at 20 mm, and the outer rough may exceed 30 mm. These different zones require high-precision mowing equipment, such as 14-blade reel mowers, to maintain desired heights without damaging the grass.

In contrast, residential lawns are generally kept at 1.5 to 2 inches. This height supports a dense leaf canopy necessary for photosynthesis and allows for minimal maintenance. However, these grasses are unsuitable for sports turf due to their inability to thrive under the ultra-low mowing heights required for golf. Local grasses like Bermuda (Cynodon dactylon), commonly found in Bangladesh, fail to maintain the uniformity, density, and vigor needed for fairways and putting greens.
The United States leads in turfgrass research, especially in developing grass varieties that grow horizontally and tolerate very low mowing. U.S. turfgrass science divides the country into three climatic zones: cool-season, warm-season, and transition. Bangladesh falls into the warm-season zone, where only heat- and humidity-tolerant grasses can survive. American universities offer specialized degrees in turfgrass management. In Asia, the Asian Turfgrass Center, founded by Dr. Micah Woods in Bangkok, focuses on warm-climate species suitable for South and Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh. (To be continued)