University of Nebraska Turfgrass Science Team

Dating from the 1930’s when the first turfgrass plots were

planted, the University of Nebraska has developed a great heritage in

the study of grasslands. The program has blossomed greatly since Dr.

Bob Shearman was named to fill the position of turfgrass specialist in

1975. In 1978 Dr. Terry Riordan filled a new turfgrass breeding

position and in 1990·1991 Drs. Garald Horst and Roth Gaussoln were

recruited to cover the broad areas of turfgrass research, teaching and

extension.

The mission of the Turfgrass Science Team at the University of

Nebraska is to develop turfgrass cultivars, native grasses, cultural

practices, curriculum and outreach programs that will conserve water

and minimize fertilizer and pesticide inputs, while enhancing

environmental quality of the urban environment.

As a result, UNL graduate students have been well recognized

by receiving three Watson Fellowships and four Musser Scholarships.

Last year, one graduate student gave the outstanding M.S. dissertation

at UNL while an undergraduate received the Mendenhall Award. The

highest scholarship given by the Golf Course Superintendents

Association of America.

The team has been outstanding In the area of research, receiving

over $1.5 million to support their research on golf course fairway

management, greens construction and management, buffalograss

breeding and development, and pesticide fate in golf course systems.

Much of this support has been received from the United States

Golf Association while the breeding work has earned over $500,000.

which Is equally shared by the USGA and UNL.