by Nicole Mihelich
Here at the University of Minnesota Turfgrass Science Program, one of our areas of research is developing low-input turfgrasses that can better suit the consumer and the environment with less need for water, fertilizer, mowing, and other inputs. Fine fescue turfgrass species have been shown to perform well under these low-input conditions. However, there is little to no availability of fine fescue sod despite high demand from consumers.
Check out our team’s latest efforts in educating the public about our work. We have a seminar recording, a podcast and an upcoming golf industry seminar from the MGCSA!
By Andrew Hollman
A nice-looking turf that doesn’t need to be mowed and takes very little maintenance is the dream of some homeowners and landscape managers. The sale of “No-Mow” seed mixtures has increased the interest of many people to establish or transition to lower maintenance turfgrass areas. The idea that these areas are “maintenance free” is a misnomer and without the proper grass selection and seeding rate, these areas can require a great deal of care. For that reason, research trials were established in August of 2015 and 2017 at the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus to examine the effect of species and seeding rate on turf maintained as a “No-Mow”.
Check out our team’s latest efforts in educating the public about our work. We have a podcast, a Yard and Garden post and a newly-revised Extension article!
by Yinjie Qiu
Fine fescues are often planted in mixtures, rather than as a single species, because the different species have complementary characteristics that work together to form a good quality turf stand. Yet when fine fescues are planted in mixtures, it is difficult to establish final community composition because the species are so similar morphologically. We are working on a technique to quickly determine fine fescue mixture species composition, which will benefit turfgrass researchers across the country.
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The University of Minnesota's Turfgrass Science Program conducts field-based research and offers education and consultation to both commercial turfgrass managers and homeowners caring for their yards. Want to search our site? Click here.
For turfgrass or home lawn questions, contact:
For questions related to turfgrass extension, contact:
Dr. Brian Horgan, Professor
bphorgan@umn.edu or 612-624-0782
For degree questions, contact:
Dr. Eric Watkins, Professor
ewatkins@umn.edu or 612-624-7496
