Low-Input Turf

Advancing of Low-Input Turfgrasses and Management Strategies

Objectives: This work supports farm diversification through the expansion and adoption of low-input, sustainable sod varieties by growers and consumers through research and the development of comprehensive education resources (agronomic, economic, and marketing) for sod farm businesses. The long-term objective is to increase the use of fine fescues for sustainable landscapes. Dr. Patton works with a team of researchers to identify barriers that are preventing stakeholders from using fine fescues and find innovative solutions to these barriers. For more information about this work, visit https://lowinputturf.umn.edu/. 

Publications

Braun, R.C., Braithwaite, E.T., Kowalewski, A.R., Watkins, E., Hollman, A.B., & Patton, A.J. 2022. Nitrogen fertilizer and clover-inclusion effects on the establishment of fine fescue taxa. Crop Science, 62, 947–957. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20704 

Braun, R.C., A.J. Patton, E. Watkins, A.B. Hollman, J.A. Murphy, B.S. Park, A.R. Kowalewski, and E.T. Braithwaite. 2021. Optimal fine fescue mixture seeding dates in the northern United States. Agronomy Journal, 113, 4413–4428. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20859

Braun, R.C., A.J. Patton, E.T. Braithwaite, and A.R. Kowalewski. 2020. Establishment of low-input turfgrass from seed with patch and repair mixtures: Mulch and starter fertilizer effects. Crop Science. 60:3362-3376. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20266

Braun, R.C., A.J. Patton, E. Watkins, P. Koch, N.P. Anderson, S.A. Bonos, and L.A. Brilman. 2020. Fine fescues: A review of the species, their improvement, production, establishment, and management. Crop Science. 60:1142–1187. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20122