Trade-offs between aesthetically pleasing turfs and environmental harm

Weeds on sports fields pose a continuous challenge, requiring effective management to address impacts on aesthetics, playability, performance, and safety. Weed control involves various approaches, including herbicide application. However, concerns about human and environmental health have led to increased regulation.

Unlike prior research on herbicide perceptions in home lawns and parks, this study focuses on sports fields. Participants preferred weed-free fields and more effective control methods, despite acknowledging potential harms. Findings highlight the importance of aligning maintenance practices with user preferences for weed-free surfaces and effective control methods in managing turfgrass sports fields.

CITE: Barnes, M.R., & Watkins, E. (2024). Sports field users in Minnesota support herbicide use for weed-free recreation. Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management, 10 (1): e20276. doi: 10.1002/cft2.20276

#Weeds #Herbicides #Health #EnvironmentalImpact #Attitudes #Aesthetics #Turfgrass