Kenneth & Debra Hignight weighing clippings in the greenhouseDrought

Irrigation often is required to maintain the quality and persistence of turfgrass.  However, as water supplies diminish and restrictions are implemented the need for superior drought resistant cultivars is a primary need for the industry.  Identification and selection of germplasm with improved drought tolerance is a slow process.  To develop turf with better performance and persistence during drought stress NexGen Turf Research implements several techniques to study and select for drought tolerance; these are Field Studies, Rainout Shelter Studies and Root Studies.  This multi-level approach allows for a wider look at the complexities of drought.  For a closer look at these approaches, click on the links below.

Field Studies        Rainout Studies        Root Studies

More Water Information

Water Right Conserving Our Water Preserving Our Environment - The Lawn Institute  

Estimated Use of Water in the U.S. in 2005 - U.S. Geological Survey