Turfgrass is also referred to in the same way as “natural grass.” It’s an organic, root-bearing plant. Artificial turf is constructed of polypropylene or nylon fibers. Natural turfgrass is managed sustainably, but artificial turf can’t. Natural turfgrasses also have advantages for the environment that artificial turf cannot provide.
A high-quality turfgrass can be planted on the ground and endure the traffic of vehicles or foot. Also, it can tolerate mowing. In the world, about fifty grasses can meet the criteria.
One of the many environmental benefits of turfgrass is “natural grass.” Retrieved from www.thelawninstitute.org.
Sustainable turfgrass areas are managed with the best management practices derived through sustainable agronomic and ecological initiatives. These systems promote long-term, healthy, natural grass ecosystems. Many organizations, like The Lawn Institute, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America ( GCSAA), and the United States Golf Association, have made significant progress over the past decade in promoting and educating on sustainable practices to manage natural grass areas on home turf, fields for athletics and golf courses.
Turfgrass is an excellent ecosystem resource that provides many valuable services. Turfgrass provides habitat for wildlife as well as soil life. Photosynthesis, a process that occurs within each blade, creates oxygen (like all plants). The roots store carbon in soil, retaining soil and water. This prevents the runoff of chemicals and sediment. The area covered by turfgrass can also be more relaxed than pavements, which can help to reduce heat islands in urban areas. The grass blades help block the sound. What would our sporting fields and green spaces be without excellent turfgrass for relaxation and recreation?
Sustainable turfgrass systems employ the notion of the “right plant in the right place.” You must install your turf with the “right” grass species for the site and location. This starts by selecting the suitable grass species to thrive and recuperate from the environmental stress depending on the spot and usage. If you choose the suitable species, you will use fewer “inputs” like fertilizer, water, or pesticides.
Research was conducted at Purdue University to determine what mow is needed for a variety of turfgrass species, including those with low input. Credit: Ross Braun
Another sustainable method is to choose the low-input turfgrass varieties. Fine fescues comprise a set of five subspecies or species made up of red fescue that is strong and creepy, as well as slender creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue, sheep fescue, and fescue. Zoysiagrass and buffalograss can be managed using less maintenance, but they still offer the same aesthetic and functional benefits as the other turfgrass species.
Fertilizing turfgrass plants must also be done at the “right rate and right time of the year.” This will enhance your turfgrass’s overall plant health quality and longevity growth. Most lawns with turfgrass in climates that are not arid do not require irrigation throughout the year. The rainfalls in these regions will suffice to sustain the grass. If there is a prolonged drought, additional irrigation may be needed.
Another way to encourage greener turfgrass is to increase the height of your mowing grass. A higher size of cut will increase the size of your grass, a) give you a more profound root growth as well as) increase the strength of your turf, and, in turn,) assist in stopping weeds, and d) better able to withstand drought stress and) require less mowing time. Leaving the clippings on the grass surface is also a good idea. This provides nutrients to the soil to nourish the plants.
Research and creation of complete educational materials for sod farms under the direction of Purdue University in collaboration with the University of Minnesota supports plant research for a better planet by supplying more information on diversification expanding, adoption, and diversification of sustainable, low-input turfgrass sod plants by buyers and producers. Credit: Ross Braun
Finding turfgrass specialists worldwide in Land-Grant Institutions who research turfgrass is possible. They provide information based on science specific to your state and climate that can help you manage turfgrass in an environmentally sustainable way. The aim is to create healthier green turf that requires lower inputs of water and fertilizer, mowing, and pesticides. The turfgrass experts study low-input turfgrasses and more sustainable management methods to improve our understanding and knowledge about sustainable management techniques for natural grasslands.
Extension educators in your local area can offer information specific to your site. The closest land-grant university with a turfgrass program will also assist you in choosing the kind of turfgrass suitable for your region. It is dependent on the climate.
About this blog: This blog is written by members of the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America. Members are scholars, as well as skilled, certified professionals in the fields of enhancing our food supply around the globe and protecting the ecological environment. We have a presence at institutions of higher education, research facilities for government, andand private companies all over the United States and the world.
