Growing and maintaining turf in West Texas will be in the spotlight Friday (July 7) at a Professional Turfgrass Management Field Day at the Texas Tech University's Quaker Research Farm. Registration for the half-day program at 2nd St. & Quaker Ave. begins at 7:30 a.m., and the program will begin about an hour later.

"We will be providing information to improve the sustainability of managing turfgrass for use on golf courses, athletic fields, and commercial landscapes," said Joey Young, an assistant professor with Tech's Department of Plant and Soil Science.

The turfgrass field day typically draws green industry professionals such as landscapers, athletic field managers, and golf course superintendents, Young said. Attendance for the event is free, and a mid-day luncheon will be provided for participants.

Among the topics scheduled for review are:

• Bermuda grass varieties for athletic fields
• Deficit irrigation: surfactants vs. fertilizers
• Low-input turf species
• Sod establishment with less water
• Water quality and salinity issues

The event is developed and provided by Texas Tech's Department of Plant and Soil Science and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

CONTACT: Joey Young, assistant professor, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-8457 or joey.young@ttu.edu or Vikram Baliga, County Extension Agent, Lubbock County Office - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at (806) 775-1740 or vikram.baliga@ag.tamu.edu

0606NM17 / Editor's Note: CASNR officials note that a Turf, Landscape & Pollinator Research Open House that will focus on homeowners is set for 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday (July 8) at the Texas Tech's Quaker Research Farm. The free half-day program is a come-and-go event.