Title: Sustainable Turf Management
Project Leader: Mary Owen
Project Overview
In the highly populated northeastern United States, managed grass covered surfaces (utility turf, lawns, parklands, sports fields, etc) collectively comprise an integral part of our communities. Turf management practices have broad implications for water resources, property values, energy consumption, greenhouse gas mitigation, the safety of youth and adult sports participants, and the economic viability of businesses and communities. In addition, turf management materials frequently present potential risks from human and non-target exposure. Professional turf managers in all segments of the turf industry are challenged to meet shifting customer demands while meeting safety and quality expectations and protecting the environment. The development, communication and adoption of best management practices are critical for maintaining the quantity and quality of open space, and can positively impact ecosystem integrity in Massachusetts.
The UMass Extension Sustainable Turf Management Project helps turf managers and other interested businesses, professionals, individuals, organizations and communities meet environmental, social and business challenges by providing research-based information on building and using the skills and knowledge needed for maintaining and enhancing turf landscapes. The principal focus of the project is on environmental sustainability and economic vitality, with emphasis on protecting human health and conserving water and other natural resources. Program topics and delivery are additionally informed by client and associated public input, by program evaluation, by discussion with the UMass Turf Program Advisory Board, and through conversation with representatives of industry professional organizations, regulatory agencies and community groups.
Activity Summary - 2012
· University of Massachusetts Turf Research Field Day Workshop (1)
· Environmentally sustainable turf management classes for Master Gardeners (2)
· Field Manual: Best Management Practices for Landscape Turf (1)
· UMass Turf Program website: http://extension.umass.edu/turf/
· Site visits and consultation regarding Integrated Pest Management and Best Management Practices for turf (1,340)
· Symposium: Topics in Sustainable Landscape Turf Management (1)
· Turf Disease Field Trial Demonstrations (2)
· TurfTalk, an electronic message sent as needed throughout the seasons (71)
· UMass Winter School for Turf Managers: Principles of Turf Management, College of Natural Sciences (1)
· Winter Lawn Care Conference (1)
Educational contacts
/Adult Contacts
/Youth Contacts
In Person
/6496
/0
Indirect Contacts (Print, Web, etc…)
/148,795
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Narrative Summary - 2012
Activity Summary
Using a comprehensive array of workshops, courses, information streams, a website, educational presentations, field days, and site consultations, as well as active participation in various professional turf organizations, the Sustainable Turf Project addressed the following: implementation of Best Management Practices for environmentally sustainable turf, water and resource conservation through turf and irrigation practices; implementation of organic sports field and lawn management; increased and more effective use of Integrated Pest Management; reduced use of pesticides through improved cultural practices; and increased economic viability of businesses or, in the case of public institutions and municipalities, enhanced ability to meet fiscally responsible, environmentally responsible budgetary goals.
Results Summary
Program participants reported that as a result of participating in Sustainable Turf Project programs they learned information that will lead to increased use of Best Management Practices, improved water and environmental protection as well as enhanced economic sustainability. On average, 93% of the participants reported on program evaluations that they increased their knowledge and skills in the following areas:
· Conservation strategies that protect water resources and environmental quality: including the use of new crop coefficients (water loss indicators) specific for turf and used to more efficiently schedule irrigation; careful selection and improvement of drought tolerant turfgrass species; improvement of irrigation and soil management strategies aimed at reducing water consumption; and use of constructed wetlands for the treatment of water at equipment wash stations.
· Best Management Practices and Integrated Pest Management with emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection: careful selection of grass species for residential, commercial and municipal turf as well as for conservation areas and pasture; implementation of practices aimed at increasing turf performance while reducing negative environmental impact; effective and environmentally responsible use of compost; transitioning to and managing minimum maintenance, reduced mowing turf – meadow systems to reduce energy and materials inputs; managing invasive plants and other weeds in a minimum input system; strategies for management of pests on school properties using an IPM, low risk plan.
In addition, an average of 88% of participants who identified themselves as being responsible for budgeting and purchasing in their business, organization or municipality, indicated that ‘as a result of the information and resources provided by UMass Extension, they were able to make better decisions in relation to the purchase of turf management materials.’