Analysis of turfgrass research papers 2008–2019: Implications and future opportunities for the International Turfgrass Society

Abstract

The content of 1,626 turfgrass papers published in the quadrennial International Turfgrass Society Research Journal (ITSRJ), 17 multi-issue annual journals, and ad hoc volumes of Acta Horticulturae over 12 yr (2008 to 2019) was divided into three categories: cool-season turfgrasses, warm-season turfgrasses, and other topics (both cool-and warm-season turfgrasses and/or more general topics) and compared together with the most recent Journal Impact Factors. Overall, there were approximately 50% cool-season, 40% warm-season, and just under 10% more general papers. The ITSRJ (along with HortScience) most closely aligned with this overall pattern compared with the other 17 journals which published higher or lower proportions in these topic categories. While no one journal dominated the international turfgrass literature over the period surveyed, ITSRJ (one of only two non-Impact Factor journals surveyed) was the only one that contributed >25% of the published papers. Implications and future opportunities for the International Turfgrass Society are explored in relation to better meeting the needs of academic research members for an Impact Factor journal while at the same time broadening the membership base through practitioners and other users attracted by the Society's major asset of turfgrass information. INTRODUCTIONThe International Turfgrass Society (ITS) was formed in 1969 during the first International Turfgrass Research Conference (ITRC) in Harrogate, England. The events that led up to the formation of ITS and its subsequent history are summarised by Beard & Gibbs (2017). Following the first ITRC, a further 12 Conferences have been held under the auspices of the ITS at 4-yr intervals, with the 14th ITRC planned for 2021 but postponed until 2022.