The North Central Extension & Research Activity–221 (NCERA-221), also known as the Turfgrass and the Environment working group, is a committee of scientists dedicated to the same goal of preserving and protecting the environment through enhanced understanding of turfgrass systems.
NCERA221: Turfgrass and the Environment (was NCERA192)
Duration: 10/01/2016 to 09/30/2021
Administrative
Advisor(s): Roch E Gaussoin
Statement of Issues and Justification
Turfgrass
is the preferred and most commonly planted ground cover for lawns, parks,
cemeteries, recreational areas, and utility areas such as roadsides. Industry
stakeholders indicate a need to identify and address environmental and economic
issues related to turfgrass selection, production, and management, including
water and chemical use, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainability. As an
example, prior to 2014, $1 million per year was spent to irrigate University of
Chicago grounds, with a 50 percent increase in water costs looming (Ingles,
2014). The work is important due to the vast acreage (> 50 million acres)
and economic impact (>$40 billion annually) and employs more than 500,000
persons in the care and maintenance of turf (Morris et al., 2005). Moreover,
the turfgrass seed industry is the 2nd largest seed industry in the US, and
much of the nation’s sod production is incorporated as part of a crop rotation
system with food crops in order to reduce pest issues. Environmental
degradation and reduced economic impact, including jobs and manufacturing,
could occur if environmental issues are not addressed through collaborative
research and outreach. The technical feasibility is great; there are several
dozen engaged scientists in the region wanting to collaborate on environmental
issues dealing with turfgrass. The advantages for conducting the work as a
multi-state effort are 1) provides necessary interdisciplinary expertise, 2)
affected watersheds and ecosystems cross state boundaries, 3) synergistic
activities can be developed as individual states have unique resources, and
opportunity to compete for national grants is strengthened, 4) better graduate
student training and new faculty mentoring, 5) the general public will be
better informed by a group effort. The project will evaluate turfgrass
species/cultivars, individual cultural inputs, and holistic management systems
to meet the goal of sustainable management through the use of reduced or
alternative management requirements including underutilized renewable resources
like composts. The core focus of these studies will assess the effect of
reduced water, nutrients, mowing and pesticide inputs. Anticipated impacts will
include improved turfgrass performance combined with sustainable management
practices that reduce labor, water, and chemical inputs. Additionally, regulatory
efforts that are aimed to preserve and protect the environment may be
strengthened.
Objectives
1
A
search of the CRIS database identified much turfgrass sustainability research
being conducted by NCERA 221 members. As examples, ongoing projects at Illinois
(“Selection and Management of Grasses for Managed Landscapes and Biomass
Feedstock”), Purdue (“A Multidisciplinary Approach to Increase the
Sustainability of Turf Areas”), Iowa State (“Improving Landscape and
Horticultural Production Systems”), Minnesota (“Developing Low-Input
Turfgrasses for Cold Climates”), Missouri (“Missouri IPM Program”), Nebraska
(“Improving Sustainability of Turfgrass Areas in Nebraska and the North Central
Great Plains”), and North Dakota State (“Ecological Impact of Non-Native Turfgrass
Species in the Upper Great Plains”) all deal with some aspect of the
sustainability of turfgrass systems. In addition, these, and other NCERA 221
members conduct collaborative and institutionally based turfgrass
sustainability research that will advance our understanding of how to maintain
the millions of acres of turfgrass in the region in more sustainable
approaches.
2
Members
of NCERA 221 will deliver the findings of this research to academic,
professional, and citizen stakeholders through a variety of approaches
including academic publications, field days, printed media, and online
information.
Procedures and Activities
Objective
1. NCERA 221 members are involved in two primary
activities. First, members of NCERA 221 are actively involved in both
collaborative turfgrass sustainability research, as well as parallel
sustainability research that enhance the ongoing research of other Universities
in the region. The second primary activity involves delivering the findings of
this research to academic, professional, and lay stakeholders. Objective 1.
Many NCERA 221 Researchers continue to investigate the sustainability of
turfgrass systems by evaluating nitrogen fertilization and developing
environmentally sound N application schemes. Nitrogen is the most commonly
applied mineral nutrient used to enhance turfgrass performance (e.g., traffic
tolerance, disease resistance, weed competition, and turf appearance). Of
concern, however, are nitrogen leaching (commonly in the nitrate form) and/or
runoff into water systems and nitrogen emissions as a gas (usually as nitrous
oxide) that can contribute to anthropogenic climate change. Nitrogen fertilization
research is an important focus of several NCERA 221 turfgrass programs.
Sustainability research is being conducted at Kansas State University (KSU),
Michigan State University (MSU), and the University of Wisconsin (UWI). At KSU,
several researchers are studying the effects of irrigation and N fertilization
on nitrous oxide emissions, as well as carbon sequestration, in turfgrasses.
Moreover, KSU is also studying the impact of irrigation scheduling and N
fertilizer types and rates on nitrate leaching in tall fescue. At MSU,
long-term research (20 years) is evaluating the impact of high N application
rates to home lawn turf through leachate monitoring. Also at MSU, researchers
are evaluating the effect of N-application rates on runoff water quality from Kentucky
bluegrass home lawns. Different rates of slow-release polymer coated urea
applied either once or twice per year will be compared to standard
four-application programs. Finally, the Daycent Model (a computer model
sometimes used by agriculturists to study changes in carbon and nitrogen
between plants, soil, and the atmosphere), along with soil information, is
being used at the UWI to improve N-fertilizer recommendations for turf. The use
of proper N application timing and rates is also being studied with the goals
of better managing both N fertilization and pesticide applications. For
example, studies at MSU are investigating annual bluegrass control in creeping
bentgrass putting greens and creeping bentgrass and Kentucky bluegrass fairways
with N (urea) added to herbicide treatments to determine whether supplemental N
application will aid in proliferation of creeping bentgrass and Kentucky
bluegrass, the preferred species. In Indiana, Purdue University (PU) is
evaluating increased crabgrass control through proper timing of N applications
prior to herbicide application without increasing the amount of herbicide used.
At UWI, the impact of N rates and sources on dollar spot development are being
studied. In a collaborative research, KSU and the University of Missouri (UMO)
are determining the effects of N source and timing on large patch in
zoysiagrass. In two additional studies, N fertilization is being evaluated to
improve turf performance using environmentally sound practices. At the
University of Illinois (UIL), N uptake and turf performance following
applications of foliar applied N fertilizers is being evaluated with the goal
of reducing off-target movement of N. At MSU, N fertilization is one treatment
in a study designed to improve establishment of creeping bentgrass greens. The
University of Nebraska (UNE) has offered to lead a regional study to develop
turfgrass growth models that will result in better recommendations for
fertilizer application timing. Here, the rationale is that N fertilization should
be made when turf is growing fastest and best able to use the mineral. By
developing accurate turf growth models, N applications can be made when turf is
growing fastest resulting in improved turf performance and less N lost to the
environment. All of the studies involving N fertilization are complimentary,
and all have the potential to assist turfgrass managers reduce environmental
issues related to N leaching or greenhouse gas emissions, while maintaining
turfgrass performance and quality. Many NCERA 221 Researchers will continue to
investigate the sustainability of turfgrass systems by developing and
evaluating additional turf management and pest control practices that are
efficient and environmentally sound. The environmentally sound practice of using
recycled water for irrigation on golf courses has led to concerns about salt
buildup, particularly on putting greens. As a result, salinity stress on
creeping bentgrass is being studied at MSU. In a collaborative University of
Illinois (UIL) - (PU) study, new systems for control of annual bluegrass on
putting greens are being tested. At UMO, control options for windmillgrass, a
perennial grassy turf weed that’s increasing as a problem in the southern
portion of the region, are being tested. KSU is evaluating herbicides programs
that aid in the establishment of low-input buffalograss when converting from
cool-season turf grasses. PU will continue to study the interaction between
fungicide applications and turfgrass cultivars that are less susceptible to diseases
so that fungicide applications may be reduced to less than 20% of that used for
more susceptible cultivars. At MSU, studies are underway of a new turfgrass
pathogen, Acidovorax avenae,
(bacterial etiolation). This is a particularly important problem on creeping
bentgrass. The major goals of this research are to evaluate physiological
changes in creeping bentgrass in response to the pathogen and while under the
influence of abiotic stress. Also at MSU, the newly identified bacterial
disease of perennial ryegrass, Xanthomonas
translucens, is being studied. Research that identifies the disease cycle
is underway, as is work to evaluate the susceptibility of commonly planted
perennial ryegrasses. Finally, UMO is studying the utilization of plant
residues to control turfgrass diseases, the characterization and management of Pythium spp. root diseases on creeping
bentgrass, and responses of Sclerotinia
homoeocarpa isolates to sub-lethal doses of DMI fungicides. In research
designed to better use pesticides, PU is studying the influence of hard water
on herbicide efficacy with the goal of discovering economical methods to
enhance the efficacy of currently used postemergence herbicides. MSU is looking
at a combination of lightweight rolling and sand topdressing programs that can
decrease pesticide application frequency for golf and athletic turf managers.
Finally, UW is studying the impact of pesticide applications on landscape
phytobiomes. Proper selection of turf species and cultivars allows managers to
achieve the desired turf performance and also minimize labor, water,
fertilizer, and pest-control inputs. Throughout NCERA 221, researchers are
studying commonly used and novel grasses in order identify the best grasses for
different applications. Many Universities have cultivar studies the National
Turfgrass Evaluation Program. In this collaborative activity, turfgrass (e.g.,
Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass bentgrasses, fescues, bermudagrass,
zoysiagrass) cultivar performance data is collected over 4-5 years at various
university sites to identify grasses that perform well in different U.S.
regions. Beyond the national aspect of this trial, there will likely be a NCERA
221 regional publication identifying high-performing grasses in the region. AT
UI and MSU, low-maintenance grasses for planting in golf course roughs are
being tested. The UI study includes utility grasses (e.g., Timothy,
orchardgrass, Idaho bentgrass) not commonly planted in fine-turf settings. MSU
is exploring ways to effectively and efficiently maintain secondary rough
grasses using minimal chemical and cultural inputs while maintaining the
aesthetics and playability of the roughs. North Dakota State University (NDSU)
and PU are evaluating grasses with water use in mind. NDSU is testing drought
tolerance in commercially available creeping bentgrass cultivar, while at PU, a
study is evaluating various commonly planted and alternative golf turf fairway
species when maintained without supplemental irrigation. To date the
feasibility of utilizing fescues and some Kentucky bluegrasses appear promising
for seasonally consistent green, dense fairway turf. Additional studies
designed to identify acceptable turfgrass performance under low maintenance or
marginal situations is also taking place. Fine fescues are the subjects of
low-maintenance research at UMN where these grasses are being tested for use on
golf course fairways, home lawns, and roadsides. At PU, tall fescue and
Kentucky bluegrass cultivars that require less annual mowing (thus less fossil
fuels used) are being evaluated. At UMN, salt tolerance in turf is being
evaluated for roadside plantings in cold-weather areas of the region, while at
NDSU, the use of grass species for phytoremediation of soils contaminated by
oil and gas drilling and production operations is being tested. Finally, UMN is
leading a Regional Roadside Turfgrass Testing Program in a multi-state proposal
funded by the participating state’s Departments of Transportation. This
research tests roadside plantings of turfgrass cultivars at two sites (one
rural, one urban) in each participating state. Currently, the proposal has been
approved by its project "champion" within the Minnesota Department of
Transportation. The next step is for the project to get approval for funding
from Minnesota at which point it will be posted to the pooled fund website
(http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/partnership/pooledfund/). Other states listed
on the proposal will then have an opportunity to fund the project. Faculty
cooperators in states that agree to provide funding (40,000 total over 2 years)
will then become part of the project and receive funding (30,000 total over 2
years). At present, four states are listed as potential participants
(Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa). Future trials could focus on other
aspects of turfgrass management such as soil quality, seed mixtures, turfgrass
management. This trial will identify environmentally adaptable, low-maintenance
grasses for roadside plantings.
Objective
2. NCERA 221 uses the title, “Best Management
Practices” for delivering the findings of this research to academic,
professional, and lay stakeholders for real-world integration into turf
management systems. Research results will be transferred to thousands of
homeowners and professionals in the turf industry and others via annual
turfgrass field days, winter turfgrass conferences, regional seminars, and
state lawn care, golf, and sports turf association meetings. Exchange of
content experts among NCERA 221 members at these events enhances regional
dissemination of new technology and best management practices. Distance
education, web-supported interactive programming, and online chat rooms also
serve the entire regions turf industry. Current examples include the growing
degree day tracker to determine optimum times for pesticide applications in
Indiana, Illinois and Michigan (http://www.gddtracker.net/), Midwestern
Turfgrass Weed ID & Control (http://www.msuturfweeds.net/), Purdue Turf
Tips (http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/tips/index.html), Minnesota Turf Talk
(http://www.turf.umn.edu/), Buckeye Turf and Sports Notes
(http://buckeyeturf.osu.edu/), Turf INfo (http://www turf.unl.edu) and others.
Additional collaborative projects will be developed and shared. Undergraduate
turf academic programs provide the regional turf industry with highly valued
student interns and technically competent new graduates. NCERA 221 members
serve as liaisons between new undergraduate and graduate students and industry.
Moreover, graduate students benefit from inclusion in NCERA 221 activities by
gaining insights into regional turf issues through exposure to member
institutions, faculty, and research. In fact, current turf faculty at
universities in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota,
and Ohio received at least a portion of their graduate training NCERA 221
member institutions and were likely involved with the group as graduate
students. New approaches to education will be tested. Web accessible/online
turf management courses will be developed at several universities to meet the
increasing demand for this form of learning. The UWI and the UMN have developed
a teaching collaboration that allows the delivery of turfgrass courses even
with low enrollments. PU, Iowa State University (ISU), KSU, and MSU use
turfgrass blogs to communicate with the turfgrass industry in the region, while
the Chicago District Golf Association (CSGA), PU, ISU, KSU, MSU, UMO, and UMN
use social media (Facebook and/or Twitter) to communicate with the turfgrass
industry throughout the region. Industry collaboration continues in the
evaluation of the efficacy and performance for more efficient and precise
control of turf species and cultivars and weed, insect, and disease pests.
Finally, communication of NCERA 221 activities takes place using its website
(http://ncera221.blogspot.com).
Expected Outcomes and Impacts
•
The
University of Nebraska will be coordinating a regional project to model
cool-season turfgrass growth within the Midwest. A regional approach will
ensure a robust data set, and this type of fundamental research will have many
benefits. Unlike annual crops, turfgrass growth is strictly vegetative,
perennial, and has not been adequately modeled with respective to temperature,
daylength, fertility, and moisture. While the main intent of this research is
to help turf managers better plan and time fertility applications, more
fundamental research such as this often has applications that are not
anticipated.
•
Sustainability
research takes many forms, and the researchers within the Midwest region will
address research, education, and outreach activities that focus on nitrogen use
efficiency; recycling and reducing nutrient use through the application of
composts and other natural products to substitute for synthetic nitrogen; and
the reduction of greenhouse gases associated with turfgrass management
activities.
•
Another
avenue towards sustainability is water use. Several groups of researchers are
addressing water use through grass selection, breeding, or management. This will
lead to an improved understanding of how to minimize water use in lawns and
commercial turfgrass sites, and will generate outreach publications and online
materials to educate citizens regarding turf water use and management.
•
Turfgrasses
as a commodity receive a significant amount of fungicides. A number of research
programs are tackling issues related to turfgrass disease management that will
ultimately lead to reductions in fungicide use on golf courses and other
high-input turfgrass systems. Approaches include resistant cultivars,
utilization of plant residues to control diseases, and cultural practices such
as lightweight rolling.
•
A
regional program to evaluate different turfgrass species, cultivars, and
mixtures for a variety of conditions on highway roadside turfs will be
conducted by a consortium of several universities in the region. Turfgrasses
provide excellent erosion protection, and this research will help provide the
best current information to States and municipalities in the region that must
manage millions of acres of roadside turf.
Projected Participation
Participant Name
|
Is Head
|
Station/Name
|
Objective No.
|
Bauer, S.
sjbauer@umn.edu
|
MN
– U. of MN
|
1,2
|
|
Carroll, M.
mcarroll@umd.edu
|
Yes
|
MD
- U. of MD
|
1,2
|
Christians, N.
nchris@iastate.edu
|
Yes
|
IA
– IA State U.
|
1,2
|
Frank, K.
frankk@msu.edu
|
Yes
|
MI
– MI State U.
|
1,2
|
Horgan, B.
bphorgan@umn.edu
|
Yes
|
MN
– U. of MN
|
1,2
|
Koch, P.
plkoch@wisc.edu
|
WI
– U. of WI
|
1,2
|
|
Kreuser, W.
wkreuser2@unl.edu
|
Yes
|
NE
– U. of NE
|
1,2
|
Li, D.
Deying.Li@ndsu.edu
|
Yes
|
ND
– ND State U.
|
1,2
|
Soldat, D.
djsoldat@wisc.edu
|
WI
– U. of WI
|
1,2
|
|
Voigt, T.
tvoigt@illinois.edu
|
Yes
|
IL
– U. of IL
|
1,2
|
Xiong, Xi
xiongx@missouri.edu
|
Yes
|
MO
– U. of MO
|
1,2
|
Educational Plan
Information
will be broadly distributed using mass media, social media, Extension
bulletins, the Master Gardener Program, Pesticide Safety Education Programs,
cross-linking web pages between states, providing links on the NCERA 221 Web
page (http://ncera221.blogspot.com), and participation in each other's turf
conferences.
Organization/Governance
The
recommended Standard Governance for multistate research activities include the
election of a Chair, a Chair-elect, and a Secretary. All officers are to be
elected for at least two-year terms to provide continuity. Administrative
guidance will be provided by an assigned Administrative Advisor and a CSREES
Representative.
Literature Cited
- Ingles, M. 2014. The economics of irrigation, how the University of Chicago is tackling water’s higher costs. Turf [Central Edition]. March. 27(3): p. B1-B2, B4.
- Morris, K. N., M. P. Kenna, C. S. Throssell, and R. C. Shearman. 2005. The National Turfgrass Research Initiative - a national turfgrass research strategy for the USA. Int. Turfgrass Soc. Annexe - Tech. Pap. 10:p. 63-64.