Review of cool‐season turfgrasses for salt‐affected roadsides in cold climates

Abstract

Turfgrass is often planted along roadsides due to its adaptability and capacity to perform a wide range of functions. Like other roadside vegetation, it must withstand a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses while persisting long term with minimal management inputs. In cold-weather climates, snow and ice management practices on roads include the use of deicing salts. Deicing salts can have negative impacts on infrastructure and the environment including soil structure degradation, surface and ground water contamination, and reduction of vegetation quality along roadsides. Insights from past evaluations of turfgrass response to stresses experienced on roadsides can provide perspective for future approaches. This review provides historical context for the establishment of turfgrasses as roadside vegetation in cold weather climates where deicing salts are used. Adaptability of species for roadside applications, as well as field and controlled environment evaluations of salt tolerance are discussed. In future studies, improved characterization of roadside stress and broader collaborative evaluation programs can enhance testing and result in improved specifications for roadside turfgrass species and mixtures.

Establishing seeded tall fescue with covers and drip irrigation methods

“…No consistent differences in tall fescue establishment were observed between drip (SGI and AGD) and overhead sprinkler irrigation treatments across the two trials. Although the potential uses for AGD may be more limited than for SDI, establishment was acceptable in AGD and more research is needed into this method (Friell & Watkins, 2021). The effects of covers on turf establishment were similar among SGI, AGD, and sprinkler‐irrigated treatments.…”

“…Aboveground drip irrigation (AGD), which is similar to SDI except that it rests on the soil surface, has been suggested as a portable system to enhance the establishment of turfgrass along roadsides (Watkins et al., 2020). Friell and Watkins (2021) noted that pre‐ and post‐establishment irrigation practices on roadside turfgrass are an important consideration for turfgrass establishment and maintenance. However, research is needed to evaluate its use in the establishment of turfgrass.…”

“…turfgrass from seed using (a) two turf protective covers and an uncovered control, in conjunction with (b) SDI, AGD, and overhead sprinkler irrigation (control). Tall fescue was selected because it is the most widely used turfgrass in residential lawns in some areas of the transition zone (Bremer et al., 2012), is popular on U.S. golf courses (Gelernter et al., 2017), and is well adapted to roadside conditions (Friell & Watkins, 2021).…”

Effects of drip irrigation and cultivation methods on establishment of seeded tall fescue

“…Aboveground drip irrigation has been suggested as a portable system to enhance the establishment of turfgrass along roadsides (Watkins et al., 2020). Friell and Watkins (2021) noted that pre‐ and post‐establishment irrigation practices on roadside turfgrass is an important consideration in its establishment and maintenance, but little research has been conducted to evaluate the use of aboveground drip irrigation in the establishment of turfgrass.…”

“…Specifically, our goal was to determine if SDI or AGD could effectively establish cool‐season turf from seed comparable to conventional overhead irrigation in fine‐textured soils. Tall fescue was selected for this study because it is the most widely used turfgrass in residential lawns in some areas of the transition zone (Bremer et al., 2012), is popular on U.S. golf courses (Gelernter et al., 2017), and is well adapted to roadside conditions (Friell & Watkins, 2021).…”