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GCSAA Research funded by The Institute

The Environmental Institute for Golf funds the GCSAA Research Program to conduct applied agronomic and environmental research to provide golf facilities and golf course superintendents with the latest information to produce high quality course conditions in a manner that is compatible with the environment.

Board sets 2009 research priorities,
suspends funding for new projects
At its annual plan and budget meeting last month, the GCSAA Board of Directors determined that the highest priorities for research in the coming year will be publication of the survey results from the Golf Course Environmental Profile, the testing and introduction of the IPM template and advancement of the Pesticide Characteristics Project. While there will be no funding of new chapter cooperative research projects in 2009, GCSAA will continue to fund and monitor the current 22 projects that are part of the Chapter Cooperative and National Research programs. The board has emphasized its commitment to funding applied agronomic, environmental and regulatory research, and plans to resume funding of new research when the projects listed above are completed and stability returns to the economy.

The GCSAA Research Program is focused on five primary areas, choose one to learn about current projects in that area:

  1. Water Management - efficient use of water to maintain golf courses and protect surface and ground water quality.
  2. Integrated Plant Management - produce healthy turf with the desired playing characteristics while minimizing inputs of fertilizers and pesticides.
  3. Wildlife and Habitat Management - create and maintain native or naturalized areas that support a diverse array of wildlife.
  4. Golf Course Siting, Design and Construction - enable siting, design and construction of golf courses to occur with environmental compatibility as a priority.
  5. Energy and Waste Management - conserve energy and minimize waste generated on golf course properties.

The results from the research conducted in each of these areas is used to help develop golf course business solutions, best management practices and measurable targets enabling golf facilities to demonstrate progress in the advancement of environmental stewardship on golf courses.

The Institute, GCSAA affiliated chapters and allied organizations have together funded over $2.9 million in research since 1996. Several projects were conducted at multiple locations. Current and completed projects are illustrated on this US map of current and completed projects as of 2009.

Completed research projects

Current research projects

 

Wetting agents study

GCSAA, through funding from The Environmental Institute for Golf and the USGA Green Section, has completed an evaluation of selected wetting agents that began in spring 2003. Learn more.

For more information please contact Clark Throssell, Ph.D., director of research at 406-656-1986.

 

 
The Environmental Institute for Golf
1421 Research Park Drive
Lawrence, KS 66049-3859
Tel. (800) 472-7878 or (785) 841-2240
Contact us at fundmail@gcsaa.org

172.16.1.98