Guidelines for Turf Management

Recreational and ornamental landscapes, especially turf and lawns, are the most heavily managed soils outside of agriculture. In just the five MVP focus communities, there are 6,000 acres of turf and lawn being managed by campus managers, homeowners, and public works employees. Playing fields and many lawns receive regular irrigation, fertilizer, and other soil amendments that increase soil cover but have varying effects on soil health and water quality.

A review of the scientific literature regarding carbon sequestration in turf shows that under best management practices, residential lawns, golf courses, and academic campuses have an impressive potential to sequester more carbon, improve soil structure, and store more water (Kumar et al, 2016, Selhorst & Lal, 2012, Qian and Follett, 2009). However, over-fertilization, short mowing, and removal of clippings and other yard ‘wastes’ is well-known to diminish soil health and contribute to surface water pollution. Here are Guidelines for Turf Management that can help to ensure these recreational and aesthetic grasslands contribute to soil health and municipal long term climate goals.