SPACE COAST GOLF AND SPORTS TURF PROFESSIONALS: SOARING INTO SUSTAINABILITY

Wells, B. C.1
1Extension Agent II, Commercial Horticulture, University of Florida, Cocoa, FL, 32926

Abstract:

Implementing sustainable turfgrass management practices is a high priority for golf course superintendents and sports turf professionals in Brevard County, an area extending 72 miles along the Atlantic Ocean on Florida’s Space Coast. Found here is the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), one of the most biodiverse estuaries on the planet with a diverse array of biota whose existence depends on the quality of the water. Protection of the IRL is a high-priority initiative of county government, and educational programs addressing this need are a high-priority of UF/IFAS Extension. The objective of this program was to educate Space Coast turfgrass management professionals on integrated strategies to stay profitable, sustainable and stewards of their unique landscape. In 2019, four workshops were held reaching a total of 190 participants covering diverse topics in integrated pest and nutrient management. In addition, 61 site visits were performed to support the implementation of strategies presented at workshops. Of the participants surveyed (n=182), 100% reported an increase in knowledge while 94% reported an intent to adopt a new sustainable production practice after attending one of the four workshops. The program will continue in 2020 to actively assist turfgrass growers with implementing the best nutrient, pest and irrigation management strategies that will increase the productivity and profitability of the turf industry in Brevard County while limiting the impact on the Space Coast’s abundant natural resources such as the IRL.

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