Turfgrass Science

By Michael Barnes

Globally many cities have implemented ‘re-greening’ programs to meet sustainability goals and deliver enhancements to the quality of life for their residents. However, turfgrass has most often been thought of as a problematic part of urban landscapes, being not ‘green’ enough to be part of re-greening programs that have largely focused exclusively on trees. To date, such approaches have mostly ignored advancements in turf management as well as low-input varieties of turfgrasses for both warm and cool climates. 

By Dominic Christensen

What is planted along roadside boulevards and how they are maintained is often a heavily debated subject. There are those who are more concerned about accomplishing the perceived primary goal to seed simpler nonnative mixtures to prevent erosion, and some who think the goals and functions of these boulevards should behave similar to a short-statured prairie, and others who are not so opinionated.

Did you know that the University of Minnesota conducts research on turfgrass seed production in northern Minnesota? If you are interested in learning more, our website now has information on Seed Production Research at Magnusson Research Farm. We have annual progress reports, which contain results of turfgrass seed production research such as variety trials, winter hardiness trials and other research involving fertility and herbicides.

By Shane Evans

By Ryan Schwab

The establishment of no mow areas on golf courses is gaining popularity. In Minnesota, fine fescues are typically the species chosen due to their low-input characteristics. Fine fescues grow slowly, and they generally have low nutrient and water requirements, all of which saves golf course resources. They also may provide the desirable aesthetics of a waving pasture with gold-frosted seed heads, which is quite the contrast from the well-manicured playing surfaces of fairways and greens (Figure 1).