Turf Management

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Program Description

Turfgrass is an important component of urban and rural landscapes. Turfgrass prevents erosion by wind and water; enhances flood control; improves biodegradation of organic chemicals; provides noise abatement and visual pollution control; provides a favorable wildlife habitat; and provides a cooling effect during warm weather. Lawns are decorative and enhance the beauty of the landscape and provide areas for recreation. The use of turfgrass in landscapes for recreational and sports use is important to enriching the quality of life for the citizens of our state. The Turf Management Program is designed around applied field based research. We have research plots located at UMORE Park in Rosemont and at the TROE Center on the St. Paul Campus. In addition, we have on-site research at over 10 different locations throughout Minnesota. We utilize this research in our presentations/talks, short-courses, websites, field days and for advanced training.

Audience

• Turf professionals
• Master Gardeners
• General Public

Specific Goals

• Improve turf professional's knowledge of phosphorus and fertilizers
• Improve the effectiveness of phosphorus and fertilizer application through improved timing and dosage
• Minimize potentially harmful environmental effects of turf nutrient application and pest control
• Encourage environmentally-responsible turf management throughout the state

Team Members

• Brian Horgan, Program co-Coordinator and Turf Management Content Specialist [info]
• Bob Mugaas, Program co-Coordinator and Master Gardener Content Specialist [info]
• Dean Herzfeld, Pesticide Content Specialist [info]
• Terry Cooper, Soil Science Training Specialist
• Vera Krischik, Entomology Content Specialist [info]
• Brad Pedersen, Landscape Design Content Specialist
• Carl Rosen, Nutrient Management Content Specialist [info]

Partners

• Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation
• Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association
• Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association
• Minnesota Golf Association

What we do...

• UM Turfgrass Science Website: www.turf.umn.edu
• Phosphorus Fertilizer Training Program
• Regional School of Turfgrass Management
• IPM for Turf Managers Short Course
• U of M Turf and Grounds Field Day
• Pesticide Certification workshops, in cooperation with the U of M Pesticide Safety Education Program
• Master Gardener Training

At a glance:

UM Turfgrass Science Website

Printable Info Sheet