Turfgrass Turfgrass ManagementManagement
Rob Golembiewski, Ph.D.Rob Golembiewski, Ph.D.
OSU Oregon State University
To love what you do andfeel that it matters –
how could anything bemore fun?
-----Katherine Graham-----
Why are we here?
Turfgrass Defined as “a grass species maintained as a
mowed turf”
Major vegetative ground cover in American landscape
Acreage of Selected Crops in U.S.
Corn (grain & silage) 79,914,515Soybeans 72,399,844Hay/Forage (all crops) 64,041,337Turfgrass (all uses)
50,000,000*Wheat 45,519,976Cotton 12,456,162Orchards 5,330,439
*31 million acres irrigated
EmploymentOpportunities
Golf Course Maintenance GCSAA – www.gcsaa.org
Lawn CareLawn CarePLANET – PLANET –
www.landcarenetwork.orgwww.landcarenetwork.org
Sports TurfSports TurfSTMA – STMA –
www.sportsturfmanager.orgwww.sportsturfmanager.org
Sod productionSod productionTPI – www.turfgrasssod.orgTPI – www.turfgrasssod.org
Grounds MaintenanceGrounds Maintenance
Environmental Benefits of Turfgrass
Natural Air Cleaner
Acre of grass will absorb hundreds of pounds of sulfur dioxide per year.
Haze created by these pollutants can reduce sunlight as much as _____ .A. 5% B. 10% C. 15% D. 20%
Stabilizing the Earth
Water run-off from lawns is rare because the average 10,000 sq.ft. lawn can absorb more than _____ gallons of water from a rainfall event.A. 6,000 B. 12,000 C. 18,000 D. 24,000
Community & HealthBenefits of Turfgrass
According to University of Illinois study, According to University of Illinois study, ADD symptoms in children are relieved ADD symptoms in children are relieved after spending time in nature. The after spending time in nature. The greener the setting the more the relief.greener the setting the more the relief.
Cooling the Environment
Summer air temperatures above a lawn will be up to _____ degrees cooler than above a paved area.A. 10 B. 20 C. 30 D. 40
Noise Reduction
A 4” turf along a road reduces vehicle noise levels by _____ .
A. 10% B. 20% C. 30% D. 40%
Compliments Overall Compliments Overall
LandscapingLandscaping
Mowing Relieves StressMowing Relieves Stress
EconomicBenefits of Turfgrass
Increases Property Values Increases Property Values Up to 15%Up to 15%
Deters CrimeDeters Crime
Reduces Home Cooling CostsReduces Home Cooling Costs
Future ofTurfgrass
You don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone.
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.
-----Joni Mitchell 1970-----
Contact Information
Rob GolembiewskiOregon State University4017 ALS BuildingCorvallis, OR 97331
Phone: (541) 737-5449Email: [email protected]