Handbook of Turfgrass Management and Physiology (Books in soils, plants, and the environment ; v. 122)

A multibillion dollar industry that has tripled in the last ten years, turfgrass management plays an important role in landscaping, golf courses, and other sports surfaces. Proper management and cultural practices are crucial for the performance of these versatile grasses, creating a demand among scientists, researchers, and industry professionals for better quality, hardier grasses. The mounting collection of research into new species, modern cultivars, and stress tolerant genotypes requires a high-quality, accessible resource. Filling a long-empty niche by compiling the most complete, up-to-date collection of contributions from internationally known specialists, Handbook of Turfgrass Management and Physiology is the only single source reference that covers every aspect of turfgrass maintenance and cultivation. Divided into several sections, this all-inclusive volume begins with an introductory chapter on turf related issues. The second section reveals detailed accounts of turfgrass growth, management, and cultural practices such as carbon metabolism and overseeding. Subsequent sections cover sports turf management and growth regulating factors, as well as breeding, genetics, and biotechnology. The text highlights research in turfgrass pathology and disease including nutritional disorders, rapid blight, and fungal diseases. The book reviews several methods of pest control using herbicides, as well as biological, and microbial control agents. It provides extensive information on the physiological responses of turfgrass to acidic soil, salinized water, temperature, light, depleted oxygen, reactive nitrogen use, and other environmental stressors. The final section looks at future and potential grasses requiring minimal maintenance and management. Offering hundreds of figures and tables, thousands of references, and an extensive index, Handbook of Turfgrass Management and Physiology is the definitive reference to the dynamic and growing world of turfgrass. "Increased demand for the use of turfgrass in recreational areas such as golf courses, athletic fields, and parklands has led to the creation of a multi-billion dollar industry and one of America's fastest growing agricultural businesses. This text provides a comprehensive, single-source reference to the issues and concerns related to turfgrass management and physiology. Contributions by leading scientists, specialists, and researchers provide an authoritative, up-to-date, and wide-ranging collection of material. Golf course superintendents, sports turf managers, landscape architects, and turfgrass, plant, soil, and wetland scientists and practitioners will benefit greatly from this unique turfgrass handbook." -- Publisher