Chapter 5 - Lawn and Turf: Management and Environmental Issues of Turfgrass Pesticides

Abstract

The chapter summarizes the environmental and exposure issues of turf management. The biotic aspect of the turfgrass ecosystem is primarily its utilization and management by humans. The principal results of these varied uses are wear and compaction. Turfgrass management is employed to elevate these impacts and consists of a wide range of activities that establishes and sustains the turf at a level of quality expected by the users. Management activities include selection of properly adapted turfgrasses, proper establishment practices, primary and secondary cultural practices for sustaining turf, and proper selection and application of pesticides. The chapter discusses the disease, pest, and weed management in turfgrass by using insecticides, pesticides, nematicides, fungicides, and herbicides. Implementation of integrated turfgrass management practices and recent advances in alternative pest management strategies are providing new information on how best to manage turf facilities with minimal use of pesticides and reduced environmental hazards associated with their application. Alternative pest management is intended to reduce the amount of pesticides needed to maintain golf course turfgrasses by using methods such as biological control, cultural and mechanical practices, allelopathy, and selection and breeding for pest resistance. The chapter discusses these alternative pest management methods in detail.