Assessment of mowing requirements for a warm-season turf in the transition zone. Objective: Quantify the mowing requirements of multiple warm-season species. Background: A main barrier to adopting low-input species is the lack of data on turf management by consumers and practitioners. Field experiments will be planted in summer of 2023 at Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center and conducted over two years (2024-2025) in Kansas and Indiana (collaboration with Purdue University, Dr. Aaron Patton) to quantify the mowing requirements of multiple warm-season species managed at the same nitrogen fertility level, which will include: zoysiagrass (4 entries), bermudagrass (2 entries), and buffalograss (2 entries) at all locations. Data collection will consist of mowing frequency, clipping yield measurements, and turf height tester (Patton & Braun, 2021) on a weekly basis throughout the growing season to quantify the differences in required mowing inputs among warm-season lawns. Researcher: Dr. Braun is working on this project. Funding Source: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Assessment of fertilizer and pesticides for a warm-season turf in the transition zone. Objective: Quantify the fertilizer and pesticide requirements of multiple warm-season species. Background: A separate field experiment from the one immediately above will be planted in the summer of 2023 at Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center and conducted over two years (2024-2025) in Kansas and Indiana (collaboration with Purdue University, Dr. Aaron Patton to quantify the fertilizer and weed control requirements of multiple warm-season species (same treatments as mowing experiment above). Data collection will consist of monthly ratings, digital images, and recorded fertilizer and herbicide inputs for each plot based on if action thresholds for turf quality and cover and weed control pests are exceeded. This experiment will help demonstrate and quantify the differences of maintenance inputs (fertilizer and pesticides) necessary among warm-season turfgrass species in the transition zone and provide a better understanding of the cost-savings and input-savings of low-input species compared to traditional warm-season species. Researcher: Dr. Braun is working on this project. Funding Source: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Understanding the inputs and costs required to establish and maintain seeded turfgrass compared to sodded turfgrass. Objective: Assess and quantify the inputs and costs required to establish and maintain seeded vs. sodded turf. Background: Foundation sod plots of both the 95:5 (w/w) TF:KBG mixture and 100% KBG blend will be established at the Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center. The experiment is 2 (establishment method) × 2 (species) factorial treatment structure in a randomized, complete-block design with five complete blocks. The establishment method factor consists of either seeding or sodding the species factor of either 95:5 (w/w) tall fescue (TF):Kentucky bluegrass mixture or 100% Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) blend. Therefore, four establishment method × species interaction treatments include: 1) Seeded 95:5 (w/w) TF:KBG mixture 2) Seeded 100% KBG blend 3) Sodded 95:5 (w/w) TF:KBG mixture 4) Sodded 100% KBG blend The following data collection methods will be similar experiments above involving mowing and input assessments to quantify pesticide, fertilizer, and mowing inputs for each plot to determine input and cost differences for seed vs. sodded turfgrass areas for the consumer and practitioner. Results may provide quantifiable costs associated with seeding and sodding turfgrass areas that can be communicated on a cost per square foot scale. Also, this research will provide an overall better understanding of the management input requirement differences and advantages and disadvantages of seeded vs. sodded turfgrass areas. Results may also assist turfgrass and landscape managers in understanding the differences in costs, inputs, and challenges associated with both seeded and sodded turfgrass areas to support future planning and budget decisions. Researcher: Dr. Braun is working on this project.
Investigation of storage conditions and durations on non-coated and coated cool-season turfgrass seed survival and germination vigor. Objective: Quantify the effects of different storage conditions and durations on uncoated and coated seed germination, germination vigor, seed moisture content, and seedling vigor, and viable seeds through multiple experiments. Background: This experiment will be initiated in Spring 2023 at Kansas State University and Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center. The experiment design will be a three-way factorial experiment and repeated over space and time. Treatments will be arranged in a 2 × 3 × 3 completely randomized design with four replications. Factors will include 2 turfgrass seed coating types (i.e., uncoated vs. coating), 3 storage conditions, and 5 storage durations (i.e., years). Turfgrass species will include one cultivar of each: tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and strong creeping red fescue, which each will be analyzed separately. Storage conditions will include indoor with HVAC (~22 °C), Refrigerator (~4 °C), and non-insulated garage storage (reactive to outdoor temperatures and humidity, (estimated range of -18 to ~50 °C). Storage duration will consist of 0-5 years of seed storage. Seed will be stored in paper envelopes inside enclosed plastic containers with holes for ventilation for each rep. Plastic containers in the non-insulated garage will be suspended in the air to prevent rodent damage. Data collection will include seed germination tests to determine overall germination percentage and speed of germination, seedling vigor tests to test for abnormal seedling growth, moisture determination tests to determine seed moisture. This research will provide information the influence that seed coating has on the ability to withstand seed storage and species differences. Researcher: Parul Mandal, Ph.D. Candidate is working on this project.
Effects of short-term (1 month) temperature (including heating stress) on stored coated and non-coated turfgrass seed. Objective: Quantify the influence of short-term heating stress during seed storage on coated and non-coated turfgrass seed germination and seedling vigor. Background: This experiment will investigate the effects short-term (1-month) seed storage for one month at 4, 22, 42, and 62 °C on four cool-season turfgrass species. This experiment will be initiated and repeated in 2023 or 2024 at Kansas State University. The experiment design will be a two-way factorial experiment and repeated over time. Treatments will be arranged in a 2 × 4 complete randomized design with four replications. Factors will include 2 turfgrass seed coating types (i.e., uncoated vs. coating), 4 storage temperatures (4, 22, 42, and 62 °C). Storage conditions for the 4 °C treatment will simulate refrigerated conditions, the 22°C treatment will simulate air-conditioned indoor storage conditions with HVAC (22 °C) and the 42 and 62 °C treatments accomplished using a forced-air oven to simulate non-air conditioned (no temperature control) storage barn conditions. Turfgrass species will include one cultivar of each: tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and strong creeping red fescue, which each will be analyzed separately. Data collection methods will be similar as experiment immediately above to determine the influence on seed moisture levels, germination, and seedling vigor characteristics. This research will provide information the influence that seed coating has on the ability to withstand short-term heating stress during storage and species differences. Researcher: Parul Mandal, Ph.D. Candidate is working on this project.
Quantifying the effects of coating and irrigation amounts in field establishment conditions. Objective: Quantifying the effects of seed coating and irrigation amounts in field establishment conditions. Background: This experiment will be conducted at Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center. The experiment design will be a two-way factorial experiment and repeated over space and time. Treatments will be arranged in a 2 × 2 randomized complete-block design with four replications. Factors will include 2 turfgrass seed coating types (i.e., uncoated vs. coating) and 2 irrigation amounts (2.5, 5.1 mm day-1). Turfgrass species investigated will include one cultivar of each: tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and strong creeping red fescue, which each will be analyzed separately. All grass species will be seeded at a rate of 2 pure live seed (PLS) cm-2 in 2.5 x 2.5 ft (0.8 x 0.8 m) field plots under a stationary rainout shelter. The soil will be a silty-clay loam. A starter fertilizer will be applied at a rate of 1 lb P2O5/1000 ft2 across the entire study at seeding. After seeding plots will be lightly raked to promote seed-to-soil contact. Data collection methods will help determine the day of first seedling emergence in each plot, percent green vegetation cover, visual turf cover (0-100%), visual weed cover (0-100%), grid counts. Digital image analysis will calculate the speed of germination and days to 50% establishment will be calculated. This research will provide information the influence that seed coating has on the establishment of turfgrass and if irrigation water can be reduced with seed coating technology. Researcher: Parul Mandal, Ph.D. Candidate is working on this project.
Quantifying the effects of coating and irrigation frequency in different soil types in controlled environment. Objective: Quantify the influence of irrigation frequency on the establishment of coated vs. noncoated turfgrass seed. Background: This experiment will be conducted in growth chambers at Throckmorton Plant Science Center at Kansas State University. The experiment design will be a two-way factorial experiment and repeated time. Treatments will be arranged in a 2 × 2 randomized complete-block design with four replications. Factors will include 2 turfgrass seed coating types (i.e., uncoated vs. coating) and 2 irrigation frequencies (5.1 mm day-1, 5.1 mm every other day). Turfgrass species investigated will include one cultivar of each: tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and strong creeping red fescue, which each will be analyzed separately. All grass species will be seeded at a rate of 2 pure live seed (PLS) cm-2 in 3.5 x 3.5 inch pots (9 x 9 cm) greenhouse pots filled with either silty-clay soil or 100% sand soil. A starter fertilizer will be applied at a rate of 1 lb P2O5/1000 ft2 across the entire study at seeding. After seeding, seed with incorporated into the upper 0.2 inch soil surface to promote seed-to-soil contact. Data collection methods will help determine the day of first seedling emergence in each plot, percent green vegetation cover, visual turf cover (0-100%), grid counts. Digital image analysis will calculate the speed of germination and days to 50% establishment will be calculated. This research will provide information the influence that seed coating has on the establishment of turfgrass and if frequency of irrigation water can be reduced with seed coating technology. Researcher: Parul Mandal, Ph.D. Candidate is working on this project.
Sod regrowth potential of multiple Kentucky bluegrass cultivars. Objective: Quantify the speed of regrowth of sod ribbons after a spring sod harvest of multiple Kentucky bluegrass cultivars. Background: One experiment (2024 & 2025) is being conducted and repeated over time. This field experiment at Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Centerwill measure the regrowth potential of multiple Kentucky bluegrass cultivars after a spring harvest. This experiment is a one-way treatment structure consisting of 20 treatments arranged in a randomized, complete-block design with four complete blocks. The treatments consist of 20 KBG cultivars with a classification of either low, medium, or highly aggressive growth. All treatments will receive same management regime (i.e., N fertilization rate, mowing, pest control, and irrigation). This research will provide more information on sod regrowth speed differences among Kentucky bluegrass cultivars to help educate sod producers on genetic differences. Researchers: Dr. Braun and Emmanuel Nwachukwu, M.S. are working on this project.
Influence of seed mixture ratios of Kentucky bluegrass planted with turf-type tall fescue on the population dynamics. Objective: Quantify the population changes of both species over time when planted and grown as a polystand home lawn. Background: One experiment (2022-2026 & 2023-2027) is being conducted and repeated over time. This field experiment at Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Centerwill measure the population dynamics of these two species and how they fluctuate over time. Often, Kentucky bluegrass is planted with tall fescue when seeding; however, these species vary in their growth rates and abiotic/biotic stress tolerance differences. This will influence how the population of these two species changes over time. Tiller counts are being conducted a specific intervals to measure the percentage of each species within each plot. This research will provide more information how the population of these two commonly used turfgrass species may change over time under a specific management regime. Researchers: Dr. Braun and Emmanuel Nwachukwu, M.S. are working on this project.
Evaluation of advanced zoysiagrass hybrids for golf course tees to greens use. Objectives:
In-Depth Evaluation of Top Hybrids at Research Stations -Phase IV (years 1-3, 2025-2027): The objective of Phase IV experiments is to conduct rigorous testing of the elite hybrids to evaluate establishment rates, divot recovery, management influence on thatch accumulation, and additional traits that include morphological differences, drought tolerance, freeze tolerance, sod tensile strength, mowing quality, rooting depth characteristics, herbicide tolerance, as well as turf performance using NTEP protocols.
Field Demonstration Sites of Top Choices at Golf Courses and Sod Farms - Phase V (years 4 and 5, 2028-2029): The objectives of Phase V are to select and plant the top two or three elite hybrids at golf
Background: The zoysiagrass breeding program at Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center-Dallas is a mature program initiated in 1983 and has had a successful collaboration with Kansas State University since 2004 and Purdue University since 2012. These breeding collaborations have resulted in multiple zoysiagrass releases such as Chisholm, Innovation, and most recently DALZ 1701. These zoysiagrasses have a finer texture, enhanced cold hardiness or drought tolerance, or improved large patch resistance that can help reduce winterkill renovations or management inputs (fertilizer, pesticides, irrigation, mowing) on golf courses. This proposed research will lead to the development and release of at least two zoysiagrass hybrids (one for the transition zone and one for the southern U.S.) with enhanced turf quality, freeze tolerance, drought tolerance, as well as other traits, and potential for use across the golf course (putting greens, fairways, tees, or rough). We request an extension of USGA funding to support continued research initiated in 2018, in which ~1,600 cold hard “tees-to-greens” zoysiagrass hybrids were planted as spaced-plant nurseries at three sites and evaluated from 2018 to 2020. Then 65 hybrids were selected for evaluation in replicated field trials across eight locations from 2021 to 2023. Regional performance differences due to climate were noted resulting in nine elite zoysiagrass hybrids were selected for the transition zone and nine elite hybrids for the southern U.S. Two hybrids were included in both groups because of high performance across climates. These selected zoysiagrass hybrids exhibit improved cold hardiness, shade tolerance, or other traits, and selected hybrids have the potential for uses ranging from golf course tees/fairways as well as golf course rough/lawns. In addition, some selected hybrids are candidates for golf course putting greens due to their performance, leaf texture, and other characteristics. These two sets of “top hybrids” require additional testing to identify future commercial releases. This field research will occur at the Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center. Researcher: Usman Tanveer, Ph.D. Student, is working on this project. Funding Source: United States Golf Association (USGA)
Evaluation and determination of optimal cool-season turfgrass sod mixtures for low-input turfgrass. Objectives: Assessment of sod strength and handling of 66 mixture ratios involving seven cool-season turfgrass species at multiple locations and harvests to determine optimal ratios for sod producers. Background: More information is needed on the sod production characteristics of fine fescues and other cool-season turfgrass species when mixed together at planting to provide a more dynamic and versatile stand. A field experiment at Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center will be repeated at K-State and three other land-grant universities (MN, IN, NJ) to measure sod production characteristics of these mixtures. Field sites are planned to be planted in the autumn 2025 and harvests will be conducted in 2026. This experiment is also be conducted at Purdue University, University of Minnesota, and Rutgers University. Researcher: Ammar Rafique, Ph.D. Student, is working on this project. Funding Source: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Influence of harvest timing on cool-season species polystand blends. Objectives: Quantify the of harvest intervals (timing) and cool-season species polystand blends on sod strength and handling when planted in the autumn. Background: More information is needed on cool-season polystand blends and their harvestability over time when planted in the autumn. Can some species be harvested as early as 2 months after planting or is more time required? The sod strength, handling, and lateral spread of eight cool-season turfgrass species planted at polystand blends (2-3 cultivars) will be assessed in the field. This field experiment at Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Centerwill be repeated at two sites (Kansas State University and Purdue University). Eleven sod harvests will occur on a monthly basis from 2 to 14 months after planting with a few exceptions. Researcher: Ammar Rafique, Ph.D. Student, is working on this project. Funding Source: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Past (Completed) Research
The influence of test crib sheet use on horticultural student test performance, stress, confidence, and retention of subject matter knowledge. Objective: Learn how approved exam/quiz crib sheet use influences student testing performance and student perceptions on testing anxiety, confidence, and study habits in a horticulture course. Background: More information is needed on the performance and perception of undergraduate students, especially horticultural students, when they are allowed to use approved crib sheets (also known as helper sheets, crib cards, study cards, approved cheat sheets) during exams and quizzes. We hope to learn how approved exam crib sheet use influences student performance and student perceptions on testing anxiety, confidence, and study habits. This research is being conducted during the Spring 2023 and 2024 semesters in HORT 515 (Basic Turfgrass Culture) at Kansas State University. Researcher: Alex Stanton, M.S. student, worked on this project.
Green industry practices and Extension Education Services use by homeowners and industry practitioners in the Great Plains and neighboring states in the United States. Objective: Attain information on the current use of extension education services by turfgrass and landscape professionals and homeowners, and also determine what extension education material delivery methods (e.g., social media, website blog, extension publications, email newsletters, workshops, field days, phone or online apps/tools, etc.) they may be more willing to use in the future. Background: More information is needed on the current use of Extension education services (e.g., social media, website blog, extension publications, email newsletters, workshops, field days, phone or online apps/tools, etc.) related to lawn and landscape topics by homeowners and industry practitioners, such as lawn care operators, golf course superintendents, sports field managers, landscape professionals, greenhouse managers. Through online survey platforms, such as Amazon Web Turks and Qualtrics, this information can now be more easily attained from these focus groups. Anonymous results from homeowners and industry practitioners may provide valuable information on what current extension education material delivery methods are most often used and potential changes in the preference for new delivery methods to help Land-grant Universities more effectively deliver non-biased educational material to homeowners and professionals. K-State is leading this effort and collaborating with eleven other Land-grant universities int the U.S. Researcher: Alex Stanton, M.S. student, worked on this project.
Experiments A & B: Understanding the influence of the aggressiveness and ratio of Kentucky bluegrass on sod strength of tall fescue-Kentucky bluegrass seed mixtures. Objective: Quantify tall fescue (TF):Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) sod mixture strength differences among Kentucky bluegrass cultivars with known aggressive growth differences (Experiment A) and determine optimal TF:KBG seed mixture ratios (Experiment B). Background: Two experiments will be conducted to quantify tall fescue (TF):Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) sod mixture strength differences among Kentucky bluegrass cultivars with known aggressive growth differences (Experiment A) and determine optimal TF:KBG seed mixture ratios (Experiment B). Experimental run 1 was planted in the fall of 2022 at Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center and will be harvested at multiple dates in 2023. Experimental run 2 will be planted in fall of 2023 and harvested in 2024. Experiment A is a one-way treatment structure consisting of 10 treatments arranged in a randomized, complete-block design with four complete blocks. The treatments consist of nine KBG cultivars with a classification of either low, medium, or highly aggressive growth and each included in a 95:5 (w/w) TF:KBG mixture ratio and one 100% TF blend of turf-type tall fescue. Experiment B is a 4 (TF:KBG ratio) x 3 (KBG aggressive type) factorial treatment structure in a randomized, complete-block design with four complete blocks. The TF:KBG ratio factor consists of 100:0 (w/w), 97:3, 95:5, and 90:10 and the KBG aggressive type includes low, medium, or high aggressive growth. In both experiments, all respective treatments will receive same annual rate of nitrogen fertilizer rate. Sod harvest data in both experiments will occur at 9, 10, and potentially 12 months after planting to measure sod tensile strength, sod handling, and turf quality and other characteristics. This research will provide turfgrass sod producers with more information on tall fescue sod production to meet market demands and potentially help improve production time with reduce inputs. Researcher: Emmanuel Nwachukwu, M.S. student, worked on this project. Funding Source: The Lawn Institute (TLI) Sod strength characteristics of rhizomatous tall fescues. Objective: Quantify the differences in aggressive and sod strength among tall fescue cultivars marketed as “rhizomatous” or “spreading.” Background: An experiment is being conducted at the Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center and is planned to be harvested at multiple dates in 2023. Experimental run 2 will be planted in fall of 2023 and harvested in 2024. This experiment is a one-way treatment structure consisting of 12 treatments arranged in a randomized, complete-block design with four complete blocks. The treatments consist of seven “rhizomatous” or “spreading” tall fescue cultivars, one 100% tall fescue bunch-type blend, two different TF:KBG sod mixture ratios, and an 100% Kentucky bluegrass blend (standard check). All treatments will receive same annual rate of nitrogen fertilizer. Sod harvest data will occur at 9, 10, and 12 months after planting (MAP) and collect similar data as Experiments 3 and 4 above. Additionally, greenhouse experiments will be conducted to quantify differences in the growth and aggressive of rhizomes among rhizomatous tall fescue cultivars. This research will provide turfgrass sod producers with more information on the turfgrass sod potential and rhizome characteristics of rhizomatous tall fescue cultivars. Researcher: Emmanuel Nwachukwu, M.S. student, worked on this project. Kentucky bluegrass seed germination and establishment rates, and sod strength differences. Objective: Quantify seed germination and establishment rate differences and sod strength production differences among Kentucky bluegrass with different aggressive types. Background: One experiment (2022-2023) will be conducted to quantify differences in seed germination and establishment rates and sod production of Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) cultivars. This experiment is a one-way treatment structure consisting of 20 treatments arranged in a randomized, complete-block design with four complete blocks. The treatments consist of 20 KBG cultivars with a classification of either low, medium, or highly aggressive growth. All treatments will receive same management regime (i.e., N fertilization rate, mowing, pest control, and irrigation). Sod harvest data will occur at 9, 10, and potentially 12 months after planting to measure sod tensile strength, sod handling, and turf quality and other characteristics and the experiment will be repeated in 2023-2024. Seed analysis of seed germination rate will occur using a growth chamber on the campus of Kansas State University in summer of 2022 and 2023, and field data on establishment rate will be collected for up to 10 weeks after planting in the fall in 2022 and 2023. This research will provide more information on establishment and sod strength differences among Kentucky bluegrass cultivars and how establishment rate influences sod strength and handling. Researcher: Emmanuel Nwachukwu, M.S. student, worked on this project.