WCTA Supports Turf Managers by Investing In 2025 Research Projects

The WCTA Board is pleased to announce it will continue supporting important and valuable turf research in 2025!

Current priorities for WCTA turfgrass research funding are as follows: 
• Nutrient and fertility management, best management practices
• Soil and root-zone management, best management practices
• Evaluation of alternatives to pesticides
• Irrigation and water use issues (water quality and reducing water usage)
• Investigations into the biology, ecology and management of current and emerging pests
• Alternative cultivar and species for new turf construction, integration and conversion into existing turf areas
• Species/cultivar evaluation and improved management practices for areas of heavy traffic and wear tolerance

As recommended by the Research Committee, the Board has approved approximately $29,000 in project funding.  Any difference between total funding and available cash is made up from reserves.
_____________________________________________________________ 

Project Title:  Canadian Turf Research Foundation Cooperative Funding
The CTRF collects and distributes research monies much like the WCTA but on a national scale.  Along with other regional groups, we have contributed to this collaborative approach to research funding annually since 1992.

PROJECT LENGTH: multiple projects /varies
WCTA COMMITMENT: $4,000
CLICK HERE for list of current research projects.
_____________________________________________________________

Project Title: Alberta Turfgrass Research Foundation Cooperative Funding
Similar to the CTRF, ATRF collects research monies from multiple sources for projects taking place at the Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre.  In the past, WCTA would consider PTRC project funding on a case-by-case basis - 2024 marked the first time for a collaborative funding approach.

PROJECT LENGTH: multiple projects / varies
WCTA COMMITMENT: $5,000
See https://www.oldscollege.ca/smart-farm-research/areas-of-focus/faculty-led/alberta-turfgrass-research-foundation.html for list of current research projects.
_____________________________________________________________

Project Title:  Cost Analysis for Natural Grass and Artificial Turf Fields - Chengyan Yue, University of Minnesota
To gather updated data on the use and cost factors influencing the choice between natural grass and artificial turf fields, including installation and maintenance costs, hours of use, life cycle, replacement costs, etc. While there exists some cost data showing the difference between natural grass and artificial turf sports fields, these data are mostly outdated. There is an urgent need for updating the data that provides accurate and current information on the cost implications and usage parameters of the two types of fields. This study aims to address this gap by leveraging the expertise of field managers, maintenance staff and/or construction companies.

PROJECT LENGTH: 1 year
WCTA COMMITMENT: $15,000 USD
TOTAL VALUE: $15,000 USD
STATUS: project starts June 1, 2025
_____________________________________________________________

Thank you to all those who have contributed to our turf research program!