THE grass may be greener on this side if the National Parks Board's (NParks) plan to develop new lawns takes root.

The ubiquitous cow grass that covers about half the Republic's green spaces gets trampled too easily and does not tolerate shade well, said Dr Kenneth Marcum, a senior researcher at NPark's Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology (Cuge). The high rainfall here also adds to waterlogging woes.

But a new $100,000 research facility is set to find a green solution to the bare muddy patches that commonly turn up in grassy areas.

The 1,200 sq m facility located at HortPark, off Alexandra Road, will study a dozen species of grasses and different soil types.

The grasses will be subjected to all manner of tests, simulating conditions such as being trampled on, their response to light and shade and how well they deal with being waterlogged from heavy downpours.

Research results are expected within a year.

Said Dr Tan Puay Yok, deputy director of Cuge Research: 'We want to encourage the use of lawns in parks...Instead of sitting on a lawn that is wet or worn out, the landscape will be more inviting to use.'

Dr Marcum said that aesthetics and usability aside, grass has been shown to clean the air, absorb dust, filter water runoff and reduce ambient temperature.

While typical cow grass is easy to maintain and has been in use here since colonial times, it thins out easily after being trampled upon and forms muddy patches, he said.

Said 22-year-old student Jane Lee, who often goes on picnics: 'Sometimes when you want to put your mat under the tree, you find that there is no grass there and it is wet.'

A Landscape Industry Association spokesman said: 'If the species of grass is more hardy and can withstand different conditions, it will definitely be beneficial. If the grass dies too fast, we will have to spend more money replacing it and it is not cost-efficient.'

Besides improving the turf areas under its management, Cuge will share the findings with town councils and the Singapore Sports Council.

There is no plan to replace every blade of cow grass here, but new construction projects or turf grass due for replacement can adopt the new grass varieties, said Dr Tan.

The board is also organising a two-day international turf grass seminar, which starts today. Sixty participants from eight countries will share information on current trends and innovations in managing green spaces.

A memorandum of understanding will be signed with the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries in Australia to work on projects involving urban landscapes and turf management in both places.