Low-Input Turfgrass Species for the North Central United States

Abstract

Public attention is being increasingly focused on the environmental impact and management costs of turfgrass areas such as lawns for schools, parks, and homes. The objectives of this study were to: (i) identify grass species adapted to low‐input environments (limited water, no fertilizer or pesticides after establishment) in the North Central Region (NCR) of the USA; and (ii) evaluate these species for turfgrass quality under mowed and non‐mowed conditions. Low‐input turf trials of 12 grass species were established at eight locations and evaluated for turf quality over two years. Plots were mowed monthly at either 5.1 or 10.2 cm or not mowed. Hard fescue (Festuca brevipila Tracey), colonial bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), and sheep fescue (Festuca ovina L.) performed well at most locations at the 5.1 and 10.2‐cm mowing heights. Several other species were also evaluated: tufted hairgrass [Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) P. Beauv.], hybrid bluegrass (Poa arachnifera Torr. × Poa pratensis L.), meadow fescue [Schedonorus pratensis (Huds.) P. Beauv.], prairie junegrass [Koeleria macrantha (Ledeb.) Schult], crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.], alkaligrass [Puccinellia distans (Jacq.) Parl.], blue grama [Bouteloua gracilis (Willd. Ex Kunth) Lag. Ex Griffiths], and crested dogstail (Cynosurus cristatus L.).

Cultivar Performance of Low-Input Turfgrass Species for the North Central United States

“…L ow‐input sustainable turfgrass species have previously been tested to determine their suitability throughout the North Central Region (NCR) and other parts of the northern United States and Canada (Dernoeden et al, 1994, 1998; Diesburg et al, 1997; Mintenko et al, 2002; Watkins et al, 2011). These and other studies have shown that several species either are well‐adapted to the northern United States (tall fescue [ Festuca arundinacea ], hard fescue [ Festuca trachyphylla ], sheep fescue [ Festuca ovina ], colonial bentgrass [ Agrostis capillaris ], Chewings fescue [ Festuca rubra var.…”

Irrigation Frequency and Nitrogen Rates for Tall Fescue Growth

“…is one of the most popular turfgrass species for home lawns, sports fields and low maintenance area. Watkins et al (2011) investigated 12 turfgrass species managed under low maintenance and found that tall fescue and hard fescue (Festuca brevipila Tracey) had the highest quality during the research period. Because of its wear resistance, deep root system, and drought tolerances, tall fescue can be well-adapted for low maintain area.…”

Conversion of Kentucky Bluegrass Rough to No-Mow, Low-Input Grasses

“…Diesburg et al (10) evaluated 12 turfgrass species for use as low‐input turf in the Upper Midwest and determined that when left unmowed, hard fescue was the top‐performing species. Watkins et al (23) determined that under low‐maintenance conditions and at higher mowing heights (5.1 cm and 10.2 cm) sheep and hard fescue performed well in the North Central Region of the United States. It was also noted that sheep and hard fescue performed well throughout the same region in no‐mow situations (23).…”

“…Watkins et al (23) determined that under low‐maintenance conditions and at higher mowing heights (5.1 cm and 10.2 cm) sheep and hard fescue performed well in the North Central Region of the United States. It was also noted that sheep and hard fescue performed well throughout the same region in no‐mow situations (23). Tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa [L.] Beauv.)…”