Ross Braun

• Ph.D.
• Professor (Assistant) at Kansas State University

Beard and Green compiled one of the earliest reviews on the environmental and societal (cultural) benefits that living turfgrass systems (e.g., home lawns, athletic fields, golf courses, roadsides, and grounds) provide to humans and associated contemporary issues with turfgrass. Today, the benefits of vegetation systems are called ecosystem service...

Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp. Willd.) is a desirable, low‐input turfgrass species used on golf courses. However, prolific zoysiagrass seedhead production in the spring can increase golf course maintenance costs and reduce aesthetics. Previous research demonstrates that a single autumn ethephon application can suppress zoysiagrass seedhead production the...

Urban grasslands span climates and topography in soils with variable water infiltration and drainage rates that result in occasional waterlogging stress, while data on grass species tolerance to waterlogging stress is scant. Whole plant responses to waterlogging stress among cool‐season grass species were quantified in a controlled environment. The...

Professional turfgrass managers and consumers continue to express interest in low‐input turfgrasses; however, the potential reductions in maintenance inputs from “low‐input” turfgrasses are largely assumed and have not been well‐quantified. Over 3 years, replicated field experiments at Purdue University and the University of Minnesota quantified th...

Turfgrass systems (e.g., home lawns, commercial properties, golf courses, athletic fields, roadsides, sod farms, parks, and other green spaces) in the US employ 820,000 individuals, have a $60 billion economic impact, and cover nearly 2% (∼63,250 mi²; 163,800 km²) of the US. Turfgrass systems provide ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration,...

Adopting eco-friendly technologies, such as converting lawns to alternative low-input grass species, can reduce household expenditures and mitigate negative environmental impacts at the same time. However, the rate of adoption of these technologies has not been as high as expected. This study develops a behavioral framework to identify barriers to...

Fine fescue taxa differ in their field establishment rate but it is unclear if this is due to differences in germination rate or seedling growth rate. Research at Purdue University quantified differences in seed morphology, germination vigor, and seedling vigor among 30 cultivars of fine fescue (FF) taxa (Festuca spp.). Strong creeping red fescue (...

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an ozone-depleting gas and important greenhouse gas (GHG) that has been implicated in global climate change. Irrigated and N-fertilized turfgrass systems cover large areas of land and emit N2O. DAYCENT and Denitrification-Decomposition (DNDC) are two widely used process-based models that predict GHG fluxes in agricultural lan...

A 10‐yr, four‐phase collaborative effort among three universities was conducted to develop new hybrid zoysiagrasses (Zoysia spp. Willd.) with improved turf quality, winter hardiness, and pest resistance in comparison to commercial zoysiagrass cultivars, especially ‘Meyer’ (Z. japonica Steud.). In Phase 1, breeding efforts produced 2,858 new progeny...

Knowledge of water use rates and responses to deficit irrigation practices in cool‐season turfgrasses is important, particularly in climates where irrigation is required to maintain turf quality. This is Part I of two companion papers reviewing cool‐season turfgrass water use and requirements. Part I presents the history of early water conservation...

Knowledge of drought resistance of cool‐season turfgrasses is important because drought stress can occur wherever they are grown even in humid regions with wet climates. This review is Part II of two companion papers that review water use and requirements in cool‐season turfgrasses. Part I presented the history of early water conservation and quant...

The lack of turfgrass diversity in cool‐season sod production is related to information inefficiencies, such as the lack of agronomic information available on improved, low‐input species, such as fine fescues (Festuca spp.). Collaborative research between Purdue University and University of Minnesota investigated the influence of cool‐season turfgr...

Increasing fertilization rates from 0 to 49 kg N ha⁻¹ during establishment of fine fescue (Festuca spp.) taxa can promote faster grow‐in; however, the influence on sod production (tensile strength and handling) is unknown. More information is needed on both fine fescue taxa and the effects N fertilizer or inclusion of clover (Trifolium spp.) during...

Little information exists on establishment vigor differences among fine fescue taxa (Festuca L. spp.) and on the effects N fertilizer levels or clover (Trifolium L. spp.)‐inclusion during establishment. Five replicated field experiments in Indiana, Minnesota, and Oregon were conducted from 2019 to 2021. Data collection continued for 9 mo after plan...

During late spring and early summer, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) produces reproductive structures (i.e., culm and inflorescence), that decrease turf quality due to stemminess (i.e., culm remaining) after mowing. Research is required to understand the impact of management practices on visible culm and inflorescence presence. Field experim...

Core Ideas Indaziflam sprays at 0.044 lb a.i. acre⁻¹ reduced cover by 38–42% compared to the nontreated. Less indaziflam injury occurred following granular applications than liquid spray formulations. Plots thinned from indaziflam injury provided better golfer playability ratings. Indaziflam use in fine fescue roughs should be limited to sites wher...

A 3-year experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance and playability of 24 coarse-textured zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp. Willd.) experimental genotypes in comparison to five commercially available cultivars maintained as a low-maintenance turf across multiple climates (Indiana, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and California). Following establ...

Research is lacking on best establishment practices of fine fescues (Festuca spp.), such as optimal seeding timings, which are well known for other cool‐season turfgrasses. Our objective was to document establishment and determine optimal seeding timings for mixed stand of fine fescue in multiple cool‐season climate zones in the United States. From...

New regulations aimed at reducing soil erosion along with changing building and residential codes are increasing sod demand, especially low‐input species, which are currently in very short supply and require research.Replicated field experiments were established in Indiana and Minnesota to quantify the effect of turfgrass species (strong creeping r...

Research was conducted to determine the tolerance of 11 grass species used in minimal‐to‐no‐mow turf areas to three postemergence herbicides applied at one‐ and twofold the maximum label rates in 2018 and 2019. Grasses were transplanted into field plots in West Lafayette, IN, in 2018 and 2019, allowed time to establish (∼1−2 mo), and then either tr...

Research is required on sod to explore the differences in management and postharvest practices to help inform sod producers and reduce information inefficiencies that affect the supply and demand of cool‐season turfgrass sod. Replicated field experiments were conducted in Indiana and Minnesota to quantify the effect of turfgrass species (strong cre...

Turfgrass systems can be an important source or sink for greenhouse gases (GHG), including carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4). Further research is required in turfgrass systems; therefore, our objectives were to evaluate the effects of turfgrass species, growth rate, clipping management, and environmental conditions on GHG...

Turf is often subject to traffic stresses during drought. Our objectives were to evaluate the impacts of golf cart traffic applied during simulated drought on soil properties and turfgrass rooting. Soil and roots in the upper profile (0‐30.5 cm) were evaluated in two cool‐season (C3) [Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lo...

During drought, golf course turf continues to receive golf cart traffic, which may compound conditions of drought stress. Our objectives in a 2‐yr field study were to evaluate responses in turf canopy variables of (a) green cover (GC) and (b) turf quality (TQ) from the impact of golf cart traffic during a 41‐d summer drought and subsequent 40‐d rec...

Growth or yield is an important characteristic to measure in crop science experiments. Turf researchers often use rulers or harvest grass clippings to measure growth and yield, respectively. Rising plate meters or floating disk meters are used for nondestructive measurements of forage canopy height to estimate herbage biomass, but this technique is...

Homeowners typically use commercial “patch and repair” products to seed bare or damaged lawn areas in the spring. Commercial products typically contain inert matter, fertilizer, and turfgrass seed, which is dominated by perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumor...

Fine fescues (Festuca L. spp.) comprise a group of five cool‐season grasses used in turfgrass systems under many conditions: strong creeping red fescue (F. rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin), slender creeping red fescue [F. rubra L. ssp. littoralis (G. Mey.) Auquier], Chewings fescue [F. rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaudin; syn. F. rubra L. ssp. fallax (Thuill...

Core Ideas More information is needed on the turf safety and efficacy of over‐the‐counter natural weed control products. A single application of the tested natural weed control options will not control ground ivy. Homeowners and turf practitioners using natural weed control options will need to differentiate between selective products safe for turf...

Core Ideas It is common to scalp glyphosate‐treated areas to sow desirable species following treatment. Product labels recommend withholding mowing for several days before or after an application. Information is needed to precisely define scalping restriction recommendations surrounding glyphosate applications. Scalping tall fescue from one hour be...

Core Ideas Further research is required to evaluate and develop management practices that may sequester C in turfgrass soils. Hidden C costs, which are energy‐based inputs from turf maintenance, should be factored into soil C sequestration calculations. A higher‐input management regime in turf will not increase net C sequestration compared with a l...

Core Ideas Limited information is available concerning the effects of nitrogen (N) and golf cart traffic rates on buffalograss roughs. Increasing the N rate, especially from 0 to 1 or 1 to 2 lb N/1000 ft²/year, will increase the ability of buffalograss to better withstand traffic stress from golf carts in traffic situations. Increased late season p...

Core Ideas Aerification of golf course putting greens in the summer rather than in the early fall does not decrease annual bluegrass cover. Monthly applications of iron sulfate were ineffective at reducing annual bluegrass. Methiozolin, paclobutrazol, or bispyribac‐sodium provided the greatest reduction of annual bluegrass when used over multiple y...

Core Ideas The fall is the optimum time to control winter annual and perennial broadleaf weeds. More information is needed on postemergence herbicide safety in the fall as buffalograss enters winter dormancy. Many postemergence herbicides can be safely applied to buffalograss entering winter dormancy with no effect on spring greenup. Turf managers...

Core Ideas More information is needed on non‐target turf injury caused by overspray of human insect repellents. There are differences in the magnitude of turf injury in response to human insect repellents. Significant turf injury for varying lengths of time may result from human insect repellent products, especially for products containing DEET.

Core Ideas Turfgrass soils have the potential to emit nitrous oxide at similar rates as agricultural soils. Few turfgrass studies have intensively measured fluxes long enough to calculate accurate annual emissions. Investigation of controlled‐release fertilizers combined with improved irrigation techniques could potentially reduce emissions. Furthe...

Core Ideas More information is needed to improve late‐season bermudagrass control strategies in the Central Plains region of the United States. A single autumn application of glyphosate reduces bermudagrass cover the following spring. Bermudagrass control with a single autumn application of glyphosate was not improved by adding fluazifop, mesotrion...

Nitrous oxide is an important greenhouse gas associated with global climate change. Turfgrasses emit N2 O when fertilized with N and irrigated. The development of management practices such as use of controlled-release N fertilizers and/or deficit irrigation may reduce N2 O emissions in turf soils. The objectives of this study were (i) to quantify t...

Core Ideas Common hand‐mowing methods can consume large amounts of time in turfgrass greenhouse experiments. There is minimal publication on greenhouse mowing apparatuses for turfgrass research. Utilizing a mowing track can save time and labor compared to greenhouse hand‐mowing methods. A mowing track provides a more uniform height of cut compared...

Core Ideas More information is needed to precisely define mowing restriction recommendations for systemic broadleaf herbicides. Sufficient leaf tissue remained after mowing to allow for herbicide absorption, translocation, and subsequent control of dandelion. Mowing 4 days before to 4 days after herbicide treatment did not impact herbicide efficacy...

Core Ideas Turf managers may be hesitant to embrace buffalograss due to its slow germination and establishment rate. Lowering the mowing height will have minimal impact on buffalograss establishment. Slit seeding resulted in the quickest conversion from tall fescue to buffalograss. If slit seeding is not possible, core aerating or verticutting will...

In the transitional climates, warm-season turfgrasses are more heat and drought resistant and require fewer pesticide and fertilizer inputs than cool-season turfgrasses, but an extended winter dormancy period in warm-season turfgrasses makes them less attractive. Our objective was to evaluate color intensity and persistence of colorants applied at...

Core Ideas Cultural strategies are needed for rough bluegrass control in cool‐season lawns. Higher mowing reduces rough bluegrass incidence in new tall fescue swards. Altering seeding rate between 174 to 522 lb/ac does not affect rough bluegrass incidence in new tall fescue swards.

In this study, annual nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were greatest in urea and least in untreated (no N) among treatments. Differences were negligible due to irrigation treatment. Irrigation levels may be decreased further in the final year to induce slight stress on the low irrigation treatment. All fertilizer treatments maintained acceptable quali...

Zoysiagrass (Zoysia sp.) is a warm-season turfgrass that requires less water and fewer cultural inputs than cool-season grasses, but its widespread use by homeowners in the transition zone may be limited because of its extended duration of brown color during dormancy. Turf colorants are an option for improving zoysiagrass winter color. Our objectiv...

Large patch of zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.), caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG2‐2 LP, is a troublesome disease on golf course fairways in the upper transition zone of the United States. Turfgrass managers incur significant fungicide costs to control the disease over large acreages, and integrating cultural practices into an overall scheme of disease man...

A total of 881 zoysiagrass progeny originating from parental crosses at Texas A&M AgriLife Research – Dallas were planted in 2012, and an additional 104 progeny were planted by Kansas State University researchers in 2013. Starting in 2013, grasses were rated visually on 10 occasions through 2014. These ratings occurred throughout the year to evalua...