Municipality permits limited herbicide use on sports fields to prevent athlete injuries
To tackle slippery plantain weeds on sports fields, a Dutch municipality will allow limited herbicide use—once every four years—only when necessary. This measure aims to reduce injury risks for athletes while minimizing chemical impact on the environment.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Issue | Plantain weeds make grass slippery, increasing injury risks for athletes. |
| Treatment Frequency | Maximum once every 4 years, only if plantain is present. |
| Products Used | Dicophar and Cleave, approved by Ctgb. |
| Field Closure | 48 hours post-treatment, scheduled after the football season. |
| Sustainability Goal | Natural methods prioritized under the national Green Deal for Sports Fields. |
The municipality is responsible for maintaining safe and sustainable sports facilities for local communities. Under the national Green Deal for Sports Fields, it balances environmental goals with athlete safety by limiting chemical use to essential cases.
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Read the full translated article below
Municipality allows treatment of plantain on sports fields at most once every 4 years
Some sports fields in our municipality are affected by plantain. This weed makes the grass slippery, increasing the risk of athletes slipping and getting injured. The municipality therefore allows natural grass fields with plantain to be treated with a crop protection product at most once every 4 years. This will only happen when absolutely necessary.
Problems caused by plantain
Plantain grows quickly and spreads easily. Its leaves are slippery, which can cause athletes to slip and get injured. A football club reported to the municipality that they were experiencing issues with this weed. Gildebor tried to remove it using various machines, but this did not work well enough. Natural methods also proved ineffective against this persistent plant.
We maintain sports fields as sustainably as possible
Since 2021, Gildebor has only used natural methods. This was agreed upon in the national Green Deal for Sports Fields. These agreements remain important. The use of crop protection products is only permitted when, as in this case, it is necessary for the safety of athletes.
Treatment is allowed at most once every 4 years
Gildebor is now permitted to use a crop protection product if plantain is present on a field. This may only happen once every 4 years. If there is no plantain, the fields will not be treated. This approach minimizes the use of chemicals as much as possible.
The products used are safe according to national regulations
The combination of two products used is safe for people, animals, and the environment, according to the Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb). Gildebor works carefully, ensuring that the grass, other plants, and the surrounding environment are not damaged.
Clubs receive advance information
The treatment takes place after the football season to minimize disruption. The fields will then remain closed for 2 days. Football clubs in our municipality will be notified in advance about the treatment, so they know exactly when the fields will be temporarily unavailable.
Questions and answers about weed control on sports fields
Why is there attention for weeds on sports fields?
Plantain is increasingly common on natural grass fields. This weed grows quickly and spreads easily. Its leaves are slippery, which can cause athletes to slip and get injured. We want everyone to be able to play sports safely.
Why don’t we usually use herbicides?
We aim to work as sustainably as possible. Since 2021, we have only used natural methods. This was agreed upon in the Green Deal for Sports Fields.
Why is the limited use of herbicides now permitted?
Natural methods and machines have proven ineffective against plantain. This was investigated by the party responsible for maintenance. They tried various removal methods, but none worked well enough. The municipality considers it important that the fields remain safe. That is why a crop protection product may be used at most once every 4 years, but only if plantain is actually present.
Are the products safe?
Yes. The products have been approved by the Ctgb (Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides). This board assesses whether products are safe for people, animals, and the environment.
Which products are used?
A combination of Dicophar and Cleave is used.
Can athletes use the field after spraying?
No. The field will remain closed for 48 hours. After that, athletes can safely use the field again. The fields are sprayed after the football season to minimize disruption.
How is damage to the grass and surrounding environment prevented?
The treatment is always carried out carefully. Employees only target areas where plantain is present.
Are all fields treated?
No. Only fields where plantain is present are treated. If there is no plantain, no spraying will take place.
Are the football clubs informed?
Yes. The clubs have been given an explanation of the approach. They are also informed in a timely manner about the schedule and when a field will be temporarily unavailable.