Stockbridge Hall
University of Massachusetts
80 Campus Center Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9246
Phone: 413.545.4204
Fax: 413.577.0242
www.ag.umass.edu
Title: Sustainable Turf Management
Project Leader: Mary Owen
Project Overview
In the highly populated northeastern United States, managed grass covered surfaces (utility turf,
lawns, parklands, sports fields, etc) collectively comprise an integral part of our communities. Turf
management practices have broad implications for water resources, property values, energy
consumption, greenhouse gas mitigation, the safety of youth and adult sports participants, and the
economic viability of businesses and communities. In addition, turf management materials frequently
present potential risks from human and non-target exposure. Professional turf managers in all
segments of the turf industry are challenged to meet shifting customer demands while meeting safety
and quality expectations and protecting the environment. The development, communication and
adoption of best management practices are critical for maintaining the quantity and quality of open
space, and can positively impact ecosystem integrity in Massachusetts.
The UMass Extension Sustainable Turf Management Project helps turf managers and other interested
businesses, professionals, individuals, organizations and communities meet environmental, social and
business challenges by providing research-based information on building and using the skills and
knowledge needed for maintaining and enhancing turf landscapes. The principal focus of the project is on
environmental sustainability and economic vitality, with emphasis on protecting human health and
conserving water and other natural resources. Program topics and delivery are additionally informed by
client and associated public input, by program evaluation, by discussion with the UMass Turf Program
Advisory Board, and through conversation with representatives of industry professional organizations,
regulatory agencies and community groups.
Activity Summary - 2012








University of Massachusetts Turf Research Field Day Workshop (1)
Environmentally sustainable turf management classes for Master Gardeners (2)
Field Manual: Best Management Practices for Landscape Turf (1)
UMass Turf Program website: http://extension.umass.edu/turf/
Site visits and consultation regarding Integrated Pest Management and Best Management
Practices for turf (1,340)
Symposium: Topics in Sustainable Landscape Turf Management (1)
Turf Disease Field Trial Demonstrations (2)
TurfTalk, an electronic message sent as needed throughout the seasons (71)
The Center for Agriculture is an equal opportunity provider and employer, United States Department of Agriculture cooperating


UMass Winter School for Turf Managers: Principles of Turf Management, College of Natural
Sciences (1)
Winter Lawn Care Conference (1)
Educational contacts
In Person
Indirect Contacts (Print, Web, etc…)
Adult
Contacts
6496
148,795
Youth
Contacts
0
0
Narrative Summary - 2012
Activity Summary
Using a comprehensive array of workshops, courses, information streams, a website, educational
presentations, field days, and site consultations, as well as active participation in various professional turf
organizations, the Sustainable Turf Project addressed the following: implementation of Best Management
Practices for environmentally sustainable turf, water and resource conservation through turf and irrigation
practices; implementation of organic sports field and lawn management; increased and more effective use of
Integrated Pest Management; reduced use of pesticides through improved cultural practices; and increased
economic viability of businesses or, in the case of public institutions and municipalities, enhanced ability to
meet fiscally responsible, environmentally responsible budgetary goals.
Results Summary
Program participants reported that as a result of participating in Sustainable Turf Project programs they
learned information that will lead to increased use of Best Management Practices, improved water and
environmental protection as well as enhanced economic sustainability. On average, 93% of the participants
reported on program evaluations that they increased their knowledge and skills in the following areas:


Conservation strategies that protect water resources and environmental quality: including the
use of new crop coefficients (water loss indicators) specific for turf and used to more efficiently
schedule irrigation; careful selection and improvement of drought tolerant turfgrass species;
improvement of irrigation and soil management strategies aimed at reducing water consumption; and
use of constructed wetlands for the treatment of water at equipment wash stations.
Best Management Practices and Integrated Pest Management with emphasis on sustainability
and environmental protection: careful selection of grass species for residential, commercial and
municipal turf as well as for conservation areas and pasture; implementation of practices aimed at
increasing turf performance while reducing negative environmental impact; effective and
environmentally responsible use of compost; transitioning to and managing minimum maintenance,
reduced mowing turf – meadow systems to reduce energy and materials inputs; managing invasive
plants and other weeds in a minimum input system; strategies for management of pests on school
properties using an IPM, low risk plan.
In addition, an average of 88% of participants who identified themselves as being responsible for
budgeting and purchasing in their business, organization or municipality, indicated that ‘as a result of the
information and resources provided by UMass Extension, they were able to make better decisions in relation
to the purchase of turf management materials.’
Collaborating Organizations

Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Professionals