In descending order, by date published.
7/29/2022 (minor revision)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw
The methods you use, the grass you select and the time of year that you plant your lawn will often determine the quality and ease of maintenance. When it comes to establishing a new lawn, the key is to do everything properly from the start so you will not have to try to fix the lawn once it is established.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 3.04 mb
Pages: 6
6/19/2020 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Travis Shaddox
Species of both warm- and cool-season turfgrasses are grown in Kentucky. Identification of these grasses is critical for implementation of proper management practices. Grass identification is commonly performed by observing specific parts of the plant. For a review of the parts of the grass plant, see AGR-216: 'Turfgrasses of Kentucky'. The objective of this extension publication is to provide concise identification tips to properly identify Kentucky turfgrasses.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 4.10 mb
Pages: 4
2/14/2020 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Travis Shaddox
The quality of Kentucky's surface and ground waters are of utmost importance to flora and fauna living in these waters. The growth of flora and fauna is directly related to the amount of available nutrients in these waters. In addition, we use these waters as the primary source of drinking water for ourselves and our families. A wide range of compounds may be found in these waters, the most common of which may be nitrate (NO3-). The sources of nitrogen (N) may include, but are not limited to, atmospheric deposition, septic tanks, effluent water disposal, agricultural fertilization, and landscape fertilization. The objective of this publication is to identify and describe the sources and potential fates of N applied to Kentucky turfgrass.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 748 kb
Pages: 5
2/14/2020 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Travis Shaddox
Potassium (K) is an essential plant element and is the most abundant mineral, macro-nutrient in turfgrass after nitrogen (N). Sufficient concentrations of K are important to maximize turfgrass tolerance to stresses caused by temperature, drought, traffic, and salinity. Understanding the function, soil content, and fertilizer forms of K is essential to creating an efficient nutrient management program.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 286 kb
Pages: 3
2/13/2020 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Travis Shaddox
Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is required by turfgrass in larger quantities than any other mineral nutrient because the plant demand for N is high and the supply of N from the natural environment is normally low. In instances where N is not applied according to the University of Kentucky recommendations, applied N can increase the risk of surface and ground water contamination. The objective of this document is to describe the function of N in turfgrass, explain how soil and tissue tests can be used to manage N applications, and to describe the various N fertilizer sources available for application to turfgrass.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 168 kb
Pages: 4
2/13/2020 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Travis Shaddox
Manganese (Mn) is a common component of micronutrient packages applied to turfgrass and has been documented to result in increased greening of turfgrass. In order to effectively manage Mn applications, it is important to understand the function of Mn in turfgrass, the dynamics of Mn in the soil, and the various forms of Mn available for turfgrass applications.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 879 kb
Pages: 3
12/20/2019 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Travis Shaddox
Iron (Fe) is commonly applied using granular or foliar sources to enhance turfgrass color. Iron applications can result in darker green turfgrass as a result of increased Fe uptake or Fe oxidation on the leaf surface. In many cases, Fe results in no turfgrass response at all. Understanding the dynamics of Fe both in the plant and in the soil can enhance your nutrient management programs. The objective of this publication is to explain the function of Fe within the plant, describe the Fe sources available for turfgrasses, and identify which Fe fertilizers are most effective.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 1.78 mb
Pages: 4
12/19/2019 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Travis Shaddox
Calcium (Ca) is the dominant cation in all soils of agronomic importance and Kentucky soils are no different. Kentucky soils are naturally high in Ca. Consequently, Ca deficiency in Kentucky turfgrasses is extremely rare, and the probability of observing a Ca response on golf courses, home lawns, sod production, or sports fields is very low. Applying Ca fertilizers to artificially increase soil Ca above the level necessary for proper plant growth normally does not result in an increase in plant uptake because Ca uptake is genetically controlled. Regardless, Ca is commonly applied in both granular and liquid forms.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 112 kb
Pages: 2
12/19/2019 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Travis Shaddox
Magnesium is an essential element for all plants. Soluble magnesium (Mg) exists in soils primarily as Mg2+, a positively charged divalent cation. Kentucky soils are naturally high in Mg and, thus, Mg applications to turfgrass are normally unnecessary. However, turfgrasses grown in sand-based rootzones, such as golf course putting greens and sand-based sports fields, are prone to Mg deficiency. When Mg is necessary, it is essential to understand the function of Mg in the plant, the dynamics of Mg in the soil, and the forms of Mg fertilizers.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 826 kb
Pages: 3
12/19/2019 (new)
Authors: Brad Lee, Gregg Munshaw, Travis Shaddox
Phosphorus (P) is an essential plant nutrient and a common component of many turfgrass nutrition programs. Although P application can improve turfgrass quality in some soils, most soils of Kentucky already have adequate plant-available P to support healthy turfgrass growth. What is the function of P within the plant, and how much P is required to sustain acceptable turfgrass in Kentucky? Also, if P applications are necessary, when and how should P be applied?
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 481 kb
Pages: 4
11/19/2019 (major revision)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Paul Vincelli
Turgrasses under intensive management are often subject to outbreaks of infectious diseases. Good turf management practices often greatly reduce the impact of disease by promoting healthy plants that are better able to resist infections. Even under good management, however, diseases sometimes cause excessive damage to highly managed turfgrasses. The proper use of fungicides in these instances, in conjunction with good cultural practices that promote quality turf, can be an important part of an overall disease-management program.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences, Plant Pathology
Series: Plant Pathology (PPA series)
Size: 1.10 mb
Pages: 34
10/21/2019 (minor revision)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Paul Vincelli
Brown patch, also known as Rhizoctonia blight, is a common disease of turfgrass. All cultivated grasses grown in Kentucky can be affected; however, this disease is usually only destructive in tall fescue and perennial ryegrass. Fine fescues (hard fescue, creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, and sheep fescue) are all moderately susceptible to the disease. Occasionally, Kentucky bluegrass lawns can be affected by brown patch, although this grass is less susceptible than others.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences, Plant Pathology
Series: Turf Disease: Plant Pathology Factsheet (PPFS-OR-T series)
Size: 3.00 mb
Pages: 4
8/29/2019 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Travis Shaddox
Turfgrasses have many benefits, but oftentimes people question if pesticides, fertilizers, and water are justified to sustain a quality turfed area. Although these inputs have long been required to produce thick and dark green turfgrass, some turfgrass breeders have focused on improving the genetics of turfgrasses to produce high quality turf with fewer inputs. Improved turfgrass varieties with increased density, better color, deeper rooting, and improved disease resistance through improved breeding can reduce the overall environmental footprint. Many people select a turfgrass species and variety based on cost, but choosing an improved variety can reduce environment risk and overall maintenance costs in the long-run.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 4.78 mb
Pages: 4
8/29/2019 (major revision)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Travis Shaddox
The best grass for your lawn is not necessarily the one you like the best, but the one that is best adapted to where you live and will take less work and fewer inputs (water, fertilizer, pesticides). Many people think that since Kentucky is the "Bluegrass State," it's best to grow Kentucky bluegrass across our state. Actually, Kentucky bluegrass is only marginally adapted to our climate and can require more inputs to keep an appealing lawn than some other choices. In general, Kentucky bluegrass can be an option for parts of central and eastern Kentucky, while zoysiagrass may be a better option in western Kentucky. Tall fescue is adapted to the entire state so is a good choice for most locations. Perennial ryegrasses and fine fescues are occasionally useful in different areas of the state, depending on specific conditions.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 4.46 mb
Pages: 7
7/2/2019 (new)
Authors: Rick Durham, Brad Lee, Gregg Munshaw, Suzette Walling
Fertilizers and other lawn amendments benefit the residential landscape by providing or supplementing the essential nutrients for plant growth and maintenance. Commercial fertilizers are commonly formulated based on three major nutrients, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) and each plays an important role in plant development. However, improper application of fertilizers and amendments may increase the risk of non-point source pollution of surface and ground waters.
Departments: Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 381 kb
Pages: 4
3/12/2019 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Travis Shaddox
Calibrating application equipment is something many people avoid because they believe it is too time consuming or that the math involved is too confusing. Calibration, however, is critical. Applying too little can result in poor pest control and can lead to pesticide resistance. Whereas, over applying can be bad for the environment, damage the grass, and wastes money. There are several methods for calibrating sprayers. Choose the one that makes the most sense to you. Three different methods are described below. All these methods are reliable and will provide very similar application accuracy.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 1.08 mb
Pages: 4
11/12/2018 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Travis Shaddox
Bermudagrasses have been successfully grown on athletic fields and golf courses in the transition zone for many years. Although each year some level of winterkill threat exists, bermudagrass remains an excellent surface for golf and sports. Seeded varieties of bermudagrasses have been the most common choices in Kentucky due to the availability of seed of good varieties as well as the ease of planting seed versus living plant material. There are, however, several outstanding vegetative bermudagrass cultivars that are adapted to the transition zone.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 900 kb
Pages: 3
3/5/2018 (major revision)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, A.J. Powell
Turf is the foundation of a quality landscape. It improves the beauty of other ornamentals and provides a safe recreational surface. Quality lawns greatly increase the economic and sociological value of urban homes. They beautify and reduce the often harsh urban environment by decreasing noise, glare, heat, dust, and mud. Lawns and other recreational turf areas are an integral part of our daily activities.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 1.00 mb
Pages: 22
3/2/2018 (new)
Authors: Nicole Mundell
There are several grasses that will grow in the transition zone, but none all that well. Our summers are often too hot for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and our winters are often too cold for warm-season grasses like bermudagrass. Keep in mind, however, that the problem with most poor athletic fields is not grass selection, but rather over use, lack of maintenance, and/or use when field is wet or cannot recover.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 2.32 mb
Pages: 3
5/31/2017 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw
Bermudagrass is an excellent choice for use on athletic fields throughout the transition zone (which includes Virginia, Kentucky, southern Indiana, and Missouri) because of its tolerance to close cutting heights, summer vigor, positive traction characteristics for athletes, resistance to divoting and ability to withstand and recover from significant traffic during active growth. The major limitation to successful bermudagrass persistence in transition zone locations is a general lack of cold tolerance and susceptibility to winterkill.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 6.63 mb
Pages: 10
1/19/2017 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw
This newly expanded guide provides weed identification and control information that turfgrass professionals can use to develop effective weed control programs for golf courses, athletic fields, sod farms, lawns, and other turfgrass systems. The recommendations apply to the majority of the United States, with input from experts in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Available for purchase from Purdue University.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: mb
Pages: 96
12/30/2016 (new)
Authors: Mike Barrett, Gregg Munshaw
Most of the winter annual broadleaf weeds are distinguishable from each other and thus fairly easy to key out or identify. However, there are two that show up each spring that often get people scratching their heads as to which is which--is it purple deadnettle? Or is it henbit? There are several similarities between these weeds--both are members of the mint family, both have square stems, both have sparsely hairy oval- to egg-shaped leaves, leaves of both are opposite, and both have small purple flowers that appear in the axils of the upper leaves during the spring.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 5.38 mb
Pages: 4
7/22/2016 (major revision)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw
Cool-season lawns include Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, fine fescues, and perennial ryegrass. This calendar identifies lawn management practices and the best times of the year to perform them.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 119 kb
Pages: 1
4/7/2016 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw
Calibrating application equipment is something many people avoid because they believe it is too time consuming or that the math involved in the process is confusing. Calibration, however, is critical. Applying too much can be bad for the environment, injure the grass, and also wastes money. Applying too little can result in poor pest control and can lead to pesticide resistance. There are several methods that will calibrate sprayers but the no-math method is likely the most simple and reduces the chance of errors.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 600 kb
Pages: 2
8/17/2015 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw
Roughly 7,500 grass species are grown around the world, but only 14 species are adapted as turfgrasses that have been used extensively. Kentucky is situated in the transitional climatic zone of the United States, the middle point between the cool north and the warm south, with warm summers and cool winters. Because of its unusual climate, no single grass is suitable for all situations and locations. The majority of the turfgrasses that are appropriate for use in Kentucky are known as C3 grasses, or cool-season grasses. Cool-season grasses differ from warm-season grasses (C4) in many ways, but most notably in their photosynthetic pathways. Warm-season grasses can tolerate and even thrive during the warm summers while cool-season grasses may become heat-stressed. Conversely, winters in Kentucky may be too cool for warm-season grasses and greenup in the spring may be long and arduous. Warm-season grasses enter a dormancy period during the fall and winter and may stay in this state as long as six or seven months.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 8.50 mb
Pages: 12
3/30/2015 (new)
Authors: Mike Barrett, J.D. Green, Gregg Munshaw
The best method to control weeds is to grow a dense and healthy lawn. This objective should be primary for turf professionals. Lawn weed control is facilitated by identification of the turfgrass and weed species present. Not all herbicides will control all weeds, and not all herbicides are safe on all lawn grasses. This publication contains herbicide recommendations for licensed professionals. For information on weed control for non-professionals, see AGR 208: Weed Control for Kentucky Home Lawns.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 240 kb
Pages: 4
11/11/2014 (major revision)
Authors: Brad Lee, Gregg Munshaw
The goal of water conservation in the landscape does not need to be as drastic as eliminating all irrigation, but we should choose plant material wisely and decide if and when irrigation is necessary. This publication is designed to promote a healthy lawn through watering while promoting water conservation through best management practices. One of the easiest things you can do to reduce the need for irrigation in your yard is to plant species that naturally need less water. When choosing plants, remember that just because a particular plant is drought tolerant does not mean that it is suitable for Kentucky's climate.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 892 kb
Pages: 4
11/3/2014 (major revision)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw
Often a poor lawn can be improved by using proper maintenance practices, including mowing, fertilizing, watering, and pest control. In some instances, however, portions of the lawn must be reseeded. Usually one of two methods is used to re-establish a lawn: conventional or renovation. The conventional method involves killing existing vegetation, tilling the soil, and replanting. The advantages of conventional tillage include more complete control of weeds and undesirable grass, a smoother soil surface, and the opportunity to improve the existing soil by adding organic matter and sand. Renovation involves replanting without completely tilling the soil and often without destroying all existing vegetation.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 3.14 mb
Pages: 5
11/3/2014 (major revision)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw
Lawns in Kentucky will occasionally suffer due to compacted (hard) soils and excessive thatch layers. Although most lawns will not have problems with these issues, you may occasionally need to dethatch or aerify (core) to maintain a high quality lawn.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 4.40 mb
Pages: 4
11/1/2014 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Paul Vincelli
This publication describes lawn management practices that can help control diseases of turfgrasses commonly used in home lawns--Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass. You can control diseases of turfgrasses most effectively by using as many of the following lawn management practices as feasible.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences, Plant Pathology
Series: Turf Disease: Plant Pathology Factsheet (PPFS-OR-T series)
Size: 1.02 mb
Pages: 4
7/30/2014 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Paul Vincelli
Most people do not realize the environmental benefits of lawns. Lawns are known to cool the air, reduce soil erosion, remove dust and pollutants (including CO2) from the air, reduce run-off of water and pollutants, create oxygen for humans, and improve soils over time by supplying organic matter. Lawns are also important aesthetically and have been shown to improve human well-being. However, to be 100 percent environmentally friendly, we could never fertilize or water our lawns and only mow with a self-propelled reel mower. Or, we could get rid of our lawn altogether. Neither of these options is particularly appealing for most people. We can, however, have a high quality lawn and reduce our impact on the environment by doing some very simple things at the right times of the year. The following guide will walk you through a series of steps that are important for keeping your lawn looking thick and healthy and at the same time reducing pests and the need for chemicals and other inputs.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences, Plant Pathology
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 9.00 mb
Pages: 8
7/22/2014 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw
Lawns require fertilizer to remain healthy. Proper fertilization practices will lead to a thick, dark green, uniform lawn that is competitive against weed and disease invasions. The nutrients contained in fertilizers are necessary to support many processes occurring within the plants. If any essential nutrient is limiting, the plants will not perform at their highest level.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 425 kb
Pages: 4
7/22/2014 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw, Edwin Ritchey
Most homeowners desire an aesthetically pleasing landscape and will take steps to ensure success. Proper fertilizing, watering, and pest control are all steps that will lead to a quality lawn. However, some confusion surrounds when and why lime should be applied to a lawn. Many homeowners believe that lime needs to be applied on an annual basis for a quality lawn. The purpose of this publication is to explain why lime is needed and whether it is required on your lawn.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 909 kb
Pages: 4
3/25/2014 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw
How much fertilizer should you use on your lawn? Too much can result in turf burn, wasted product and money, and potential environmental concerns. Too little will result in a low-density lawn that will not be attractive or competitive against weed invasions. To insure that you apply the proper amount of fertilizer to your lawn, you must calibrate your fertilizer spreader. You should calibrate your spreader each time you use a new (different) fertilizer because not all fertilizers have the same particle size or density. The information on the fertilizer bag is a good starting point for the calibration process but remember that spreaders can differ significantly. Calibrating your spreader will take a little bit of work, but the series of fairly simple steps below will help you complete the task.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 2.90 mb
Pages: 4
4/15/2013 (new)
Authors: Gregg Munshaw
Mowing is a recurring cutting of a portion of a grass shoot. Lawns are mowed to maintain topgrowth within a specific range, to control weed plants that are intolerant to mowing, or to sustain an ornamental turf. Mowing is usually thought of as the most simple of lawn maintenance practices; however, even though we perform it more than any other, it can result in mistakes.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 4.50 mb
Pages: 4
2/25/2013 (new)
Authors: Mike Barrett, J.D. Green, Gregg Munshaw
The best defense against weed problems in home lawns is a healthy and dense lawn. In thick lawns, weed seeds may not germinate because light may never reach the soil surface. A thick lawn is competitive with weeds, keeping them from growing and reproducing. Developing a healthy and dense lawn comes from using cultural practices such as proper grass species and cultivar selection, proper mowing heights and fertilization, and other good management practices. The need for herbicides to control weeds in home lawns can be greatly reduced if the lawn is well maintained.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Size: 390 kb
Pages: 6
9/13/2012 (new)
Authors: Brad Lee, Gregg Munshaw
Many homeowners notice color differences in the turfgrass over their septic system soil treatment area. Most often, homeowners observe green or brown stripes in their turfgrass relative to the surrounding lawn. This discoloration is worth keeping an eye on because turfgrass color is often an early sign that serious problems are about to occur.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Home and Environment (HENV series)
Size: 1.14 mb
Pages: 3
8/6/2012 (new)
Authors: Bill Fountain, Gregg Munshaw
The shade trees and fruit trees that we treasure in our landscapes were originally adapted to growing in forests in close association with other trees. In the forest they can remain small for many years. As soon as there is an opening in the canopy allowing light to reach the forest floor they grow rapidly. This great height allows trees to assume a place of dominance over other plants; their trunks lift their leaves high into the air, allowing them to intercept the maximum amount of sunlight before it reaches other plants. Thus, trees grow tall and provide us with their much-appreciated shade.
Departments: Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 1.50 mb
Pages: 4
7/10/2000 (new)
Authors: Richard Barnheisel, Morris Bitzer, Jimmie Calvert, Glenn Collins, Mike Collins, Mark Coyne, David Ditsch, Charles Dougherty, Larry Grabau, J.D. Green, Dan Grigson, John Grove, Dennis Hancock, Jimmy Henning, Jim Herbek, John James, John Johns, A.D. Karathanasis, Brenda Kennedy, Garry Lacefield, Eugene Lacefield, Len Lauriault, Bill Maksymowicz, Jim Martin, Bob Miller, Tom Mueller, Gregg Munshaw, Lloyd Murdock, Gary Palmer, Bob Pearce, Todd Pfeiffer, Chuck Poneleit, A.J. Powell, Monroe Rasnake, Edwin Ritchey, Scott Shearer, Frank Sikora, Robert Spitaleri, Norm Taylor, Charles Tutt, Dave Van Sanford, Paul Vincelli, Ken Wells, David Williams, Bill Witt
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, County Extension, Plant and Soil Sciences, Plant Pathology, Regulatory Services
Series: Progress Report (PR series)
Size: 550 kb
Pages: 55
