Advances in managing organic matter in turfgrass ecosystems

Abstract

Organic matter (OM) management is a critical component in sustainable turfgrass management. Organic matter improves the soils’ ability to hold nutrients and water. However, when OM accumulation is excessive, several detrimental effects develop. Turfgrass is a tillering plant, producing a considerable amount of lateral growth, which will cause inordinate OM accumulation. The objectives of this chapter are to outline how OM effects turfgrass, the available methods for monitoring and measuring OM accumulation, outline correlations between OM levels and disease activity/microbial populations, and identify successful OM management practices.

Carbon Sequestration in Turfgrass–Soil Systems

“…Turfgrass thatch is a porous layer with stems and roots that also harbors macro- and micro-organisms [ 62 , 63 ] and is therefore expected to have a high respiration rate. Although the effects of turfgrass thatch on carbon sequestration are not fully understood, Raturi et al [ 47 ] suggested significant differences in microbial biomass carbon between thatch and the soil underneath.…”

“…In addition to removal of clippings by mowing, cultivation, including verticutting to remove grass tissues and hollow-tine aerification to physically remove plant materials and organic matter, is likely to reduce the carbon pool in turfgrass systems. Other practices, such as solid-tine aerification and topdressing, add sand to the soil profile without removing organic matter and plant material [ 62 ]. Such practices dilute the organic matter in the root zone profile to promote better growth of turfgrass and are therefore unlikely to reduce the productivity of turfgrasses.…”