Roadside Turfgrass Research in Minnesota.

Managed roadsides present one of the most stressful environments on which to grow turfgrass. Recommendations for roadside turfgrasses are often not based on research, resulting in difficulties for public agencies managing these sites.  Over the past six years, the University of Minnesota turfgrass science program has conducted a series of projects on roadside turfgrasses in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The first project identified species and cultivars best suited for a harsh Minnesota roadside environment and then evaluated mixtures of the top-performing grasses for roadside performance, drought tolerance, and sod production. The second project is investigating how these newly recommended turfgrasses should be established and maintained in order to ensure a functional roadside. We currently are evaluating new roadside irrigation methodology and developing online training for roadside turfgrass installers. Finally, a new project, funded by multiple state departments of transportation, will test a broad range of species and cultivars at 10 sites in five states. In this presentation, we will give a brief overview of this important research collaboration and discuss how both turfgrass research programs and state agencies can benefit.