The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation (OTF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the turfgrass industry in Ohio and beyond. Since its inception in 1952, OTF has been a leader in research, education, and advocacy, providing valuable resources to turfgrass professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Research and Development
OTF invests heavily in research to advance the science of turfgrass management. Its team of scientists conduct field trials and laboratory studies on a wide range of topics, including:
- Disease and pest control
- Water and nutrient management
- Soil health
- Stress tolerance
- New turfgrass varieties
In 2021 alone, OTF invested over $2 million in research projects. This investment has resulted in numerous innovations that have improved the quality and sustainability of turfgrass in Ohio and around the world.
Education and Outreach
OTF provides a comprehensive suite of educational programs and resources for turfgrass professionals and homeowners. These programs include:
- Field days and workshops
- Short courses and certifications
- Online learning modules
- Publications and videos
OTF also hosts an annual conference, which attracts over 1,000 attendees each year. The conference provides an opportunity for turfgrass professionals to network, learn about the latest research, and share best practices.
Advocacy
OTF advocates for the interests of the turfgrass industry at the state and national levels. The foundation works with policymakers to develop laws and regulations that support turfgrass management and promote the economic vitality of the industry.
OTF also represents the industry in legal proceedings, ensuring that the rights of turfgrass professionals are protected.
Membership and Support
OTF is supported by a membership of over 1,500 turfgrass professionals, homeowners, and businesses. Members receive a variety of benefits, including:
- Access to exclusive research and educational resources
- Discounted registration for OTF events
- Networking opportunities with other turfgrass professionals
- A subscription to The Ohio Turf Letter, a monthly newsletter featuring the latest research and industry news
Join the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Today!
If you are involved in the turfgrass industry, we encourage you to join the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation. Your membership will help us continue our mission of supporting research, education, and advocacy that benefits the entire industry.
OTF has had numerous notable achievements over the years, including:
- Establishing the Ohio Turfgrass Research and Education Center at The Ohio State University
- Developing the Ohio Turfgrass Disease Control Guide, a comprehensive resource for turfgrass disease management
- Funding research that led to the development of new turfgrass varieties with improved disease resistance, drought tolerance, and heat tolerance
- Advocating for policies that promote the use of sustainable turfgrass management practices
- Educating homeowners and businesses on the importance of proper turfgrass care
OTF is committed to continuing its leadership in the turfgrass industry. We are excited about the future of turfgrass management and believe that there are many opportunities for innovation and growth.
Some of the key areas that we are focusing on include:
- Developing new turfgrass varieties that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses
- Improving water and nutrient management practices to reduce the environmental impact of turfgrass
- Educating the public about the benefits of turfgrass and how to properly care for it
- Advocating for policies that support sustainable turfgrass management
We believe that by working together, we can make a positive impact on the future of turfgrass management in Ohio and beyond.
There are many ways to use OTF resources to improve your turfgrass management practices. Here are a few ideas:
- Attend OTF field days and workshops to learn about the latest research and best practices.
- Take advantage of OTF online learning modules to expand your knowledge of turfgrass management.
- Read The Ohio Turf Letter to stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and research.
- Contact OTF staff for assistance with specific turfgrass management issues.
We encourage you to use OTF resources to help you create and maintain a beautiful, healthy turfgrass lawn.
| Benefit | Value |
|---|---|
| Improved air quality | Removes air pollutants, including ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter |
| Reduced water runoff | Turfgrass helps to slow down water runoff, preventing erosion and flooding |
| Increased property values | A well-maintained lawn can increase the value of your property |
| Reduced heat island effect | Turfgrass helps to cool urban areas by absorbing sunlight and releasing moisture |
| Improved wildlife habitat | Turfgrass provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife species |
| Variety | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | Cool-season grass that is drought-tolerant and disease-resistant |
| Perennial ryegrass | Cool-season grass that is fast-growing and shade-tolerant |
| Tall fescue | Cool-season grass that is heat-tolerant and low-maintenance |
| Fine-leaf fescue | Cool-season grass that is low-growing and wear-resistant |
| Zoysiagrass | Warm-season grass that is heat- and drought-tolerant |
| Pest/Disease | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Chinch bugs | Yellowing and dying grass | Insecticide treatment |
| Grub worms | Brown spots in lawn | Insecticide treatment |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on grass blades | Fungicide treatment |
| Brown patch | Circular brown patches in lawn | Fungicide treatment |
| Dollar spot | Small, round brown spots in lawn | Fungicide treatment |
| Time of day | Water amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning | 1-1.5 inches | Twice per week |
| Late evening | 1-1.5 inches | Twice per week |
| Avoid watering | 1-1.5 inches | Once per week |
| Afternoon | 1-1.5 inches | As needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to water my lawn?
A: The best way to water your lawn is to water deeply and infrequently, allowing the water to penetrate the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Avoid watering too frequently, as this can lead to shallow roots and poor drought tolerance.
Q: How often should I mow my lawn?
A: The frequency of mowing depends on the type of grass you have and the time of year. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, should be mowed every 5-7 days during the growing season. Warm-season grasses, such as zoysiagrass and Bermuda grass, should be mowed every 7-10 days during the growing season.
Q: What is the best height to mow my lawn?
A: The best height to mow your lawn depends on the type of grass you have. Cool-season grasses should be mowed at a height of 2.5-3.5 inches. Warm-season grasses should be mowed at a height of 1-2 inches.
Q: How can I control weeds in my lawn?
A: There are a number of ways to control weeds in your lawn, including using herbicides, pulling weeds by hand, and mowing your lawn regularly. Herbicides are effective at controlling weeds, but they should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pulling weeds by hand is a good option for small areas, but it can be time-consuming. Mowing your lawn regularly can help to prevent weed growth by suppressing weeds and allowing the grass to grow thick and healthy.
Q: How can I tell if my lawn is healthy?
A: A healthy lawn is one that is green, thick, and dense. The grass blades should be standing upright and the roots should be strong. A healthy lawn will also have few weeds and few pests or diseases.
Conclusion
The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation is a valuable resource for anyone involved in the turfgrass industry. OTF provides research, education, and advocacy that benefits the entire industry.
We encourage you to join OTF and take advantage of the many resources that we offer. Together, we can make a positive impact on the future of turfgrass management in Ohio and beyond.