CTRF
Past Research

2022 – 01a  Enhancing turfgrass carbon sequestration to improve sustainability and market access

Recent criticisms of the environmental impacts of lawns, including a high climate footprint from mowing, irrigation, and fertilization, pose challenges to the market acceptance of Oregon turfgrass domestically and internationally. However, turfgrass is a perennial crop with minimal soil disturbance, and turf has been shown in studies from Colorado to accumulate soil organic carbon (SOC) […]


2017 – 02a Foliar Applications of N and K for improving Cold Tolerance of annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.)

Currently there is conflicting information on the effects of Nitrogen (N) focused fall fertility programs for improving cold tolerance during the acclimation and spring recovery (deacclimation) time-frames. In general, the literature shows a trend of positive effect for improving frost hardiness during the acclimation period with N applications (Taulavuori, et al., 2004). For example, early […]


2016 – 02a The Effect of Snow Cover and Anti-Transpirants on the Persistence of Snow Mould Fungicides

The objective of this project, coordinated by Dr. Paul Koch at the University of Wisconsin, is to determine the rate of degradation of fungicides chlorothalonil and propiconazole applied alone or as a mixture with an anti-transpirant under constant snow cover and in the complete absence of snow. It will also correlate the fungicide concentrations on […]


2015 – 02a Testing Lower Risk Fungicides Against Turf Diseases

This project, coordinated by Dr. Thomas Hsiang at the University of Guelph, is to investigate the use of lower risk fungicides against turfgrass diseases. The specific practical objective is to quantify the extent by which common diseases such as dollar spot, fusarium patch and snow molds can be reduced in lab and field tests, using […]


2013 – 02a Identification of Drought Resistant Turfgrass Cultivars for Water Conservation.

The work and reports for this project will be performed under the direction of Jim Ross, Principal Investigator at Olds College and Dr. Eric Lyons Ph.D., Principal Investigator at the University of Guelph. Water use in urban environments is an important issue, and over the past few years watering restrictions have become commonplace. Restrictions on […]


2013 – 01a Increasing Winter Hardiness of Golf Greens and Fairways by Fall Fertilization Regime and Manipulation of Plant Hormones.

This project, coordinated by Dr. Eric Lyons at the University of Guelph involves research on “Increasing Winter Hardiness of Golf Greens and Fairways by Fall Fertilization Regime and Manipulation of Plant Hormones”. Winter survival of golf greens and fairways continues to be a major concern of golf courses throughout Ontario and Canada. There is acceptance […]


Research and Development Yearbook 2018

Fifteen years ago, Scandinavian golfers acted as both initiators and early adopters when they decided to contribute €0.5/year to research on sustainable golf, a decision that has been recognized all over the world. This farsighted decision to invest in ready-to-use research is today an important contribution by the golf sector to minimizing factors affecting climate […]


Evaluation of Ventilation Systems under Winter Covers to Prevent Injury from Anoxia on Annual Bluegrass Putting Greens

Winter injury is a major problem for turf managers in cold climates of the northern hemisphere. This project continues work in the area of winter injury in order to discover practices that will ensure the survivability of turfgrass, particularly annual bluegrass putting greens. Olds, Alberta is a good location to conduct this research as winters […]


Fall Applications of Nitrogen and Potassium and the Effect on Winter Hardiness in Annual Bluegrass

The principal researcher for this project is Katie Dodson, Olds College. The study will focus on fall fertilization practices that will maximize the cold hardiness of turfgrass in cold climates. Little information exists on this important issue and the recommendations that have come from research conducted have been somewhat contradictory. Nitrogen and potassium will be […]


2014 – 02a Selection and Management of Creeping Bentgrass for Improved Resistance to Fusarium Patch Under Current and Future Conditions.

This project offers a unique opportunity to study the interaction between a perennial grass and a pathogenic fungi under conditions of climate change. This project is funded by the CTRF and Petro Canada as well as having funding support from the NSERC. It will include collaboration between the University of Guelph (Dr. T Hsiang) and […]