Welcome

The Virginia Tech Turfgrass Culture and Physiology Program is housed in the
Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences (CSES) Department in the
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Our program has three broad missions:

  • to EDUCATE future turfgrass managers;
  • to conduct RESEARCH on cultivar adaptation, cultural practices (mowing, fertilization, cultivation, irrigation) for improved turfgrass quality and persistence, and understanding physiological responses to environmental stresses and our inputs so as
  • to EXTEND our knowledge to turfgrass professionals and homeowners so they may implement best management practices that conserve natural resources while enhancing quality of life.

    • The Program

    VT Turfgrass Research Center

    The Turfgrass Culture and Physiology program is led by Associate Professors
    Erik Ervin, Ph.D. and Mike Goatley, Ph.D.
    with the help of the following staff and graduate students:

    • Xunzhong Zhang, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Turfgrass Physiology
    • Kevin Hensler, M.S., Research Associate, Roadside Management
    • Whitnee Askew, M.S., Research and Extension Associate
    • Frederick 'Dickie' Shepherd, Senior Field Technician, Turfgrass Research Center
    • Cathy Atkinson, Program Support Technician for Dr. Ervin
    • Kim McCoy, Administrative and Office Specialist for Dr. Goatley
    • Adrienne LaBranche, Ph.D. student, Irrigation Planning and Conservation
    • Kehua Wang, Ph.D. student, Turfgrass Physiology
    • Adam Nichols, M.S. student, Turfgrass Culture and Nutrient Fate
    • Nick McKenna, M.S. student, Sports Turf Culture

    Recent Research News



    Schmidt Pavilion at TRC

    Smyth Hall tunnel