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BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram

Better turfgrass survival in a changing winter climate

Awarded: NOK 3.6 mill.

Populærvitenskapelig framstilling er gitt på norsk

Winter damage is the foremost reason for dead grasses reducing the aestetic and functional value of turf and the income of grassland farmers. UN climate scenarios predict that due to high precipitation and unstable temperature ice and water damage will be come the most important winter damage in the future. The objective of this proposal is to develop strategic expertise about such damage, with special emphasis on dehardening reactions and adaptation of grass species used primarily for turf, but also for p astures. The proposal comprises three work-packages. In WP1, the risk for dehardening and potential for rehardening of five species sown on golf greens will be studied in relation to freeze / thaw cycles and crown moisture content in controlled environme nts. In WP2, field lysimeters will be used to explore the impact of drainage on winter damage of four species commonly used for fairways and pastures. In WP3 the effect of ice encasement, snow removal and turfgrass covers will be studied in five species growing under severe winter conditions. This trial will also be supplemented with large scale trials on golf courses in Norway, Sweden and Finland. Each WP will result in one scientific paper and several popular articles, talks, WEB-pages etc. Besides Bio forsk Turfgrass Research Group, two groups working with related projects in North America, one scientist working with winter hardiness of forage crops, and one soil physicists with expertise in abiotic winter damanges will be connected to the project. A h ighly qualified Ph.D. finishing her project and submitting thesis in Dec. 2010 will be assigned in a 75 % post-doc position. The proposal is based on the call for proposal?s emphasis on ?Non-food?, ?Nature-and culture-based tourism?, and ?Climate change?, and on Bioforsk?s ambition to be a centre of excellence for sustainable turfgrass management. On average for 2011-2014, the annual project budget is NOK 1.230.000, of which NOK 900.000 is requested from RCN.

Funding scheme:

BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram