The roots of the University of Florida’s turfgrass research run deep – stretching back more than a century as scientists have worked to cultivate greener and more resilient landscapes that conserve water and protect the environment.
On March 27, the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center will host the 2025 South Florida Turfgrass Field Day and Exposition, at 3205 College Ave. in Davie. The event, co-sponsored with the South Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, offers a day of sessions and tours in English and Spanish, morning snacks, lunch and a vendor show.
Designed for a wide range of audiences, topics are tailored for professional landscapers, golf course superintendents, parks and recreation sports turf directors, homeowners and more. University faculty, state and federal biologists and landscape experts will share the latest research involving turfgrass management practices and their impact on the environment. Licensed pesticide applicators can earn credits to maintain their state-issued license.
“During this year’s field day, the newest solutions from the UF/IFAS turfgrass research team will be showcased. These solutions provide steps to a wide range of problems that plague the turfgrass industry and create consumer frustration,” said Marco Schiavon, assistant professor of turfgrass science at the Fort Lauderdale research center.
Various targeted sessions for professionals across the turf industry are scheduled throughout the day. Golf course superintendents and sports turf managers can gain insights into best practices for turfgrass management, including the latest research on pest and disease control. Meanwhile, landscape professionals and lawn care operators will benefit from sessions on sustainable landscaping and irrigation techniques, helping them improve efficiency and environmental impact.
Researchers and Extension specialists will present new findings on turfgrass science, equipping attendees with data-driven strategies for maintaining healthy, resilient landscapes and treatment options that are both economical and environmentally friendly. Vendors and industry representatives will highlight cutting-edge equipment and products, offering hands-on demonstrations for those looking to upgrade their turf management tools. Municipal and commercial property managers will learn about nutrient runoff reduction and water filtration techniques to enhance environmental compliance.
Educational tours of the 4.5-acre turfgrass research plots at the Fort Lauderdale research center are a popular component of the field day. Participants can choose from a golf or landscape research tour. The landscape tours will be offered by experts in English and Spanish.
“Whether managing a golf course, maintaining public green spaces, researching your turf sustainability, participants will leave with actionable insights to enhance their work,” said Schiavon.
Registration is required for the day, which provides speakers, lunch and a vendor show. Tickets range from $55 for pre-general admission until March 14 to $65 for general admission until March 27.
Vendors provide a show-and-tell of products that are in the mainstream and new ones commercially available.
Turfgrass lawns offer widespread environmental benefits for homeowners, businesses, parks and golf courses including erosion control, carbon sequestration, water filtration and noise reduction. They also capture of nutrients and pollutants, said Schiavon.
“Florida’s turfgrass industry plays a vital role in the state and regional economy, supporting sod production, landscape installation and maintenance, and the retail sale of lawn care products,” he said. “All the research showcased will help industry and homeowners make more informed decisions that are environmentally sound, and that will result in better turfgrass while using less money to maintain it.”
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By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
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ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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