ITRI – International Turfgrass Research Initiative
The International Turfgrass Research Initiative is a legacy of the 14th International Turfgrass Research Conference (ITRC) hosted by STERF in collaboration with the International Turfgrass Society (ITS) in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2022. Development and sustainability were the themes of the conference, and STERF and ITS agreed that investing in international turfgrass research would be the most appropriate legacy from ITRC2022. Therefore, STERF, together with The R&A, and USGA have created the International Turfgrass Research Initiative to develop research projects with global significance.
Sustainable agronomy is the most prevalent area of interest. In light of increasing pesticide regulations, warmer weather patterns, and more frequent droughts and irrigation restrictions in many parts of the world, all parties agreed that integrated pest management (IPM) and water conservation are important foci of the initiative. Another important focus is biodiversity research in turfgrass management, which is essential to foster ecological balance by understanding and preserving diverse ecosystems within turfgrass and golf course landscapes. A better understanding of the carbon balance in turfgrass management globally is crucial for understanding the impact of turfgrass on greenhouse gas emissions and net carbon sequestration. The following specific topics are prioritized:
- Integrated pest/turfgrass management
- Water conservation
- Biodiversity and landscape perspective
- Climate (carbon balance)
More information can be found in the “ITRI Framework Paper” at https://greensectionresearch.smapply.org
Select the International Turfgrass Research Initiative programme at the bottom of the page.