Integrated Turfgrass Management

University of Nebraska—LincolnExtension

Select Adapted Grasses

Environmental conditionsSoil typeIntensity of useIntensity of culturePest thresholds

Photo: University of Nebraska

Kentucky Bluegrass Adaptation

Variety of soilsCool conditionsGood cold toleranceDrought tolerancePoor shade toleranceRecuperative potentialHigh thatch potential

Photo: University of Nebraska

Tall Fescue AdaptationVariety of soilsCool conditionsGood high temperature toleranceDrought avoidanceShade toleranceLow compacted soil tolerance

Photo: University of Nebraska

Buffalograss AdaptationFiner textured soilsHeat toleranceDrought tolerantReduced management inputsPoor shade tolerancePoor salt toleranceShort growing season

Photo: University of Nebraska

Use Weeds as “Indicators”

Legumes (white clover, black medic, birdsfoot trefoil), sandbur, and ground ivy may indicate low nitrogen levels

Photo: University of Nebraska

Use Weeds as “Indicators”

Algae and moss may indicate excess moistureCrabgrass and annual bluegrass may indicate low mowing heights

Photo: University of Nebraska

Use Weeds as “Indicators”Knotweed, goosegrass, and crabgrass may indicate compacted soilGround ivy and violet may indicate excessive shade

Photos: University of Nebraska

Use Diseases as “Indicators”Disease presence may be enhanced by:

Improper watering practicesLow or high nitrogen fertility levelsSpread of clippingsHigh thatch layers

Photos: University of Nebraska

Use Insects as “Indicators”

Healthy turf can withstand many insect infestations, especially with proper irrigation and thatch management programs

Photos: University of Nebraska

Management of many pests can be accomplished through proper management practices

MowingFertilizingIrrigationCultivation

Mowing is the Ultimate Integrated Pest

Management (IPM) Tool

Photo: University of Nebraska

Mowing Height Recommendations

Kentucky bluegrass: ¾–3½ inches (preferred 2-3½ inches)Buffalograss: ½ inch to unmown(preferred 2 inches to unmown)Tall fescue: 1-4 inches (preferred 2-4 inches) Lower mowing heights only for special situations (ie. athletic field turf)

Mowing Height and Rooting Depth

Shorter mowing heights result in:Decreased rooting Higher maintenanceIncreased pest problems

Irrigation TimingEarly morning (4-10 a.m.) to reduce leaf wetness and disease incidenceFor root feeding insects (ie. grubs):

Prior (in dry soils) and after insecticide applications to move insects higher in soil profile

Photo: University of Nebraska

Seasonal Irrigation Frequency

Water to the depth of the root systemCool-season turfgrasses often exhibit root dieback in the summerFor low traffic areas allow Kentucky bluegrass to go into summer dormancy

Fertilizer Application Timing and Rate

Application Timing N / 1000 ft2

1 April 20-May 10 0.5 –

1.0 lb

2 June 5 –

June 15 0.75 –

1.0 lb

3 September 1 – September 15

0.75 –

1.0 lb

4 October 15 – November 15

1.0 –

1.5 lbs

Calendar for cool-season turfs

Fertilizer Application Timing

Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization in the summerFall applications important for recovery from summer stresses and to prepare for the next season’s growth

Desired Cultivation TimingAvoid cultivation during high stress periodsSpring and fall provide optimal growing conditions for cultivation on cool-season turfgrasses

CreditsContent Specialists

Anne Streich, UNL ExtensionRobert Shearman, UNL ExtensionRoch Gaussoin, UNL Extension

Content EditorErin Bauer, UNL Extension

PhotosAnne Streich, UNL ExtensionRobert Shearman, UNL Extension

CreditsPhotos cont.

John Watkins, UNL ExtensionDon Steinegger, UNL ExtensionRoch Gaussoin, UNL ExtensionDepartment of Entomology, University of Nebraska—Lincoln