By Jason Pick
As many are aware, the PTRC lost two very capable turfgrass scientists in recent years, which has prompted an in-depth review of the sustainability of its research program.
Read more: Prairie Turfgrass Research Center Will Wind-Down 'PTRC' Moniker
The WCTA Board is pleased to announce it will continue supporting important and valuable turf research in 2021. Based on funds raised in 2020, cash available to the Research Committee for new project funding is $24,000.
Read more: WCTA Supports Turf Managers by Investing in 2021 Research Projects
Dr. Ruying Wang, Dr. Clint Mattox, Dr. Claire Phillips, and Dr. Alec Kowalewski
Oregon State University Horticulture and the United States Department of Agriculture
Criticisms of the environmental impacts of lawns, including a high climate footprint, pose challenges to the market acceptance of natural turfgrass domestically and internationally. However, turfgrass systems have been shown to accumulate soil organic carbon (SOC) at high rates, comparable to regenerating forests and fallowed cropland.
Read more: Enhancing Turfgrass Carbon Sequestration to Improve Sustainability and Market Access
The turgrass research funding year begins with our annual conference and trade show. Typically, during those three days about a third of our annual average is raised through the Silent Auction, 50/50 draw and by the efforts of the Kwantlen Turf Club. In the past, any contributions from allied organizations were presented at the show.
'STERF' is the Scandinavian Turf and Environmental Research Foundation. In 2016, Director of R&D, Maria Strandberg and Chair, Bruno Hedlund spoke at our conference in Whistler. Each year, STERF publishes a comprehensive report, much of it focussing on efforts toward sustainable golf courses and sports fields.