Through record fundraising and joint partnerships, the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation (OTFR) has announced that it will invest a record-breaking $175,000 in turf research in 2010.
Seven new research projects have already commenced with an additional five just beginning. “This year marks the highest level of turfgrass research funding achieved by the OTRF in our 30 year history,” says Debbie Conrad, executive administrator of the OTFR.
The projects address some current turfgrass management issues. The OTRF board selected several research projects that will address the regulations set out by the Ontario cosmetic pesticide ban. With the assistance of the Ministry of Environment and the Agricultural Adaptation Council, new methodologies of controlling insect infestations and weed control will be studied for inclusion in future turfgrass management.
The OTRF and the Sports Turf Association are co-operating in support of a project that will study the potential risk of acute and chronic injuries based on playing surface selection. Along with a donation from the Nursery Sod Growers Association of Ontario, support will also be granted for the long-term effects of soil and nutrient loss/gain from continuous use of commercial sod production in Ontario.
In addition, the OTRF, in partnerships with the Golf Association of Ontario, Ontario Golf Superintendents Association, National Golf Course Owners Association, Landscape Ontario and the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation, supports continuing projects on turfgrass diseases, fertilization and irrigation methods.
