Integrating Microclover With Turfgrass to Develop a More Environmentally Sustainable Turfgrass Ecosystem.

Sustainability and reduced cultural inputs in turfgrass management are becoming a more important issue in the eco-friendly/green movement in out society today.  White Clover (Trifolium repens) is mainly considered an undesirable species in turfgrass swards.  There are potential benefits to the inclusion of legumes in turfgrass mixtures to increase sustainability by reducing cultural inputs.  Clover (Trifolium spp.) is a legume that serves as a host for soil-borne bacteria (Rhizobia spp.) that biologically fix nitrogen and symbiotically transfer nitrogen to associated grasses.  Microclover (Trifolium repens L. Microclover-TM) is a clover species touted to be more diminutive in growth habit and produce less flowering resulting in a better compatibility/quality component than traditional white clover.  The benefits of Microclover in mixtures with Kentucky bluegrass and Tall fescue (5% Microclover by weight) are being evaluated to determine the ecological dynamics of a Microclover/turfgrass mixture and the effects of Microclover on reducing cultural inputs (fertilizer, water, and pesticides) and enhancing sustainability.  Turf color, turf quality, sward composition, sward and soil nitrogen content, weed populations, and drought tolerance (via rain shelters) are being evaluated over time to determine the potential benefits and use of Microclover in turfgrass management systems.