For over 40 years, various researchers have been studying the drastically disturbed sites that are an integral part of the road system in Virginia.
The original work was done by Roy Blaser, starting in the late 1960’s. Because his interest was in forage ecology, much of his work centered on plant nutrient requirements and plant species selections. In the late 1980’s, Richard Schmidt, a turfgrass ecologist, focused on finding turf-type species that were adapted to the roadside’s inhospitable environment.
Similar work continued under the direction of Mike Goatley until 2008. The research evaluated the complex relationships of the triad – the plant, soil and site. Plant selections, including native grasses and broadleaf plants as well as newly introduced grass varieties, were evaluated for use in Virginia.
Resources
- Evaluation & Management of Turfgrass on Virginia Roadsides- Turf Trials, Native Grass Studies, Fine Fescue Mowing Study, Pre-emergent Herbicides with Native Grasses, 2001
- Turf Trials, Native Grass Studies, Fine Fescue Mowing Study, Companions and Native Grasses, 2002
- Turf Trials, Native Grass Studies, Fine Fescue Mowing Study, Mowing Guidelines, Companions and Native Grasses, 2003
- Turf Trials (tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, Ky bluegrass), Lime, P & N Greenhouse Study on Tall Fescue, Literature Review on Retention of Highway Runoff Pollutants (also available separately below), 2006
- Retention of highway runoff pollutants by plants and soils as affected by Best Management Practices: A Literature Review, 2006
- Roadside Revegetation Presentation, 2008