TURFGRASS

Disease management

Economic impact

Environmental issues

Fertilizer and lime

Insect information

Insect management

Irrigation water quality

Nematode management

Overseeding with cool season grasses

Plant growth regulators

Root zone cooling

Sod production

Soil amendments 

Soil microbiology & ecology

Turfgrass breeding, genetics and evaluation

Weed management

Winter injury to warm season grasses

Team members 

Program detail

Making the grass and the environment greener: South Carolina is one of the nation’s premier golf destinations, with more than 400 courses, many of which are in resort areas. The sport contributes some $500 million per year to the state’s economy and is a major component of the turfgrass industry.

Clemson turfgrass research and extension efforts seek to make the grass -- as well as profits and the environment -- greener. These scientists study all facets of sod production and maintenance for golf courses, athletic fields, home lawns and commercial landscapes.

The Clemson scientists have formed a strong collaboration with sod producers, golf course managers and lawn-care professionals throughout the state and region, allowing them to work in real-world conditions, as well as on University research plots. The multi-disciplinary team conducts research, as well as demonstrations for turf professionals, on the main campus and at Clemson’s Pee Dee Research and Education Center in Florence.

In addition, turf scientists work with colleagues from the University’s Walker Golf Course, Professional Golf Management degree program, and Fertilizer and Seed Certification Services, as well as with USDA scientists at the federal Agricultural Research Service center in Florence. Their goal is to understand all aspects of producing and maintaining optimum quality turf, literally from the ground up.