Soil related aspects of turfgrass culture
and management, soil fertility, plant nutrition and environmental
quality
Appointment
Research 50%, Teaching 50%
Teaching and Research
After having taught our soil fertility
course for many years, I now teach the 300-level introductory soil
science course each spring to some 50 students from widely ranging
backgrounds and majors, and a 1-credit modular course on nutrient
management for turfgrass.
In 1985 I assumed responsibility for our Turf
and Grounds Management Program. Some 25-35 students are enrolled
in the program each year. Graduates from the program typically have
several options to consider for employment. Golf course superintendent
positions have traditionally been and continue to be the most popular
choice.
Upon assuming responsibility for the Turf
and Grounds Management Program, I shifted my research in this direction
as well. This has proved to be a wise decision. A recent survey
revealed that the state has nearly 1.2 million acres of managed
turf, the turf industry annually expends $920 million on supplies,
equipment and labor and provides permanent employment for over 32,000
people. In 1991 the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association raised the funding
for a state-of-the-art turfgrass research facility located adjacent
to the university's golf course.
My research is primarily applied, field-oriented
and focuses on the concerns and needs of the turfgrass industry.
Recently completed projects include a 6-year study of nutrient runoff
and leaching losses from turf and investigation of the effects of
microenvironments on putting green quality and management. Current
research deals with the efficacy of inorganic amendments and biostimulants
in putting green root zones, the use of composts in turfgrass establishment
and renovation, and soil test selection and calibration for turf.
Publications
Mueller, S.R. and W.R. Kussow. 2001. Biostimulant
effects on the microbial community and turfgrass quality of a sand
putting green. The Grass Roots 30(6):53-55.
Soldat, D. and W.R. Kussow. 2001. Effects of
NBTP and DD on the efficacy of urea applied to turfgrass. The Grass
Roots 30(4):20-23.
