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K-State Turf and Landscape Blog

Category: Sod production

FARM to LAWN: Enhancing the Production, Establishment, and Marketability Success of Zoysiagrass Sod

Posted on by Jack Fry

K-State, Texas A&M AgriLife-Dallas, and Purdue University received a grant from the US Dept. of Agriculture (multi-state specialty crops block grant) to focus on production, establishment, and marketing of zoysiagrass sod.  A primary goal of research at Olathe is to evaluate how “farm” practices, including grow-in practices at the sod producer, may influence the performance of sod after it is harvested and laid at a site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three zoysia cultivars sprigged in June 2021 (photo above left) and appearance of the same plot area in June 2022 (photo above right) at the Olathe Horticulture Center. Grow-in is being influenced by mowing height and nitrogen rate, which could influence thatch accumulation and performance of newly laid sod (to be harvested in spring 2023)

Learn more information about this project here: https://dallas.tamu.edu/research/farm-to-lawn-zoysiagrass-sod-project

And, if you’re a Twitter follower, this may be of interest to you:  @ZOYSIARESEARCH

U.S. Sod Industry Checkoff

Posted on by Jack Fry

Checkoffs are financial contributions created through sales and support from within industry operations, including beef, pork, lamb, cotton, sorghum, watermelon, mushrooms, and many others.  Discussion about U.S. Sod Industry Checkoff started with those in the sod industry in 2017.  Thoughts are that it can provide support by helping to expand markets; increase demand; support marketing and scientific research; and promote industry initiatives and activities.

As part of the checkoff, farms would contribute 1/10th of one penny per square foot of sod sold.  This contribution will be invested by a board of volunteer sod producers, nominated by fellow producers.  Potential programs could include consumer advertising, producer promotional support, agronomic and consumer research, and customer and regulator education and outreach.  Every checkoff dollar would be invested to support this goal:  increase the value of every square foot of sod in the U.S. Sod Industry.

Everyone will have an opportunity to provide comments online on the U.S. Sod Checkoff plan in the near future.  After comments, votes will take place only among sod producers.  It must be approved by at least 50% (plus 1) of national sod producers.

To access a list of resources regarding the Sod Checkoff, CLICK HERE

To view a recorded video (38 min) from Dr. Casey Reynolds, Executive Director of Turf Producers International, CLICK HERE

K-State’s Sodcast: Interview with Ted Wilbur, Co-Owner of Sod Shops

Posted on by Jack Fry

The is the first edition of “K-State’s Sodcast,” which is a short interview with an individual to hear information about their involvement in the turf profession.  Several of these will be put together each year.  In this interview, Ted Wilbur, co-owner of Sod Shops in Wichita, KS, provides an overview of his experience in sod production.  These interviews are done to highlight professionals who have been supportive of K-State, not to advertise their accomplishments or their business.  I’d like to acknowledge the help of Gerry Snyder with K-State’s Division of Information Technology for helping put this together.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH!  (about 7 minutes long)