In 2001, the Department of Plant, Soils, and Entomological Sciences at the University of Idaho organized a team of research and extension specialists, industry and grower advisors, and representatives from state and federal agencies to develop alternative bluegrass production systems that eliminate or substantially reduce the need to burn bluegrass residues yet sustain productivity and profitability.

This website was created to extend current research findings and information to producers, industry representatives, and other interested individuals. Our information distribution objectives are to educate all interested parties, and improve the adoption rate and successful implementation of reduced burn and no-burn residue management systems. This website was funded through the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Washington Turfgrass Seed Commission, and United States Department of Agriculture.

Research and Technology Transfer Objectives: Design and test economically and environmentally sustainable Kentucky bluegrass management systems that minimize or eliminate the need for open-field burning of residues, thereby substantially improving regional air, soil, and water quality.

1. Develop non-thermal or reduced thermal systems that optimize straw decomposition and maintain or increase Kentucky bluegrass seed yield.
2. Determine the optimum herbicide and herbicide application time to predictably suppress growth of Kentucky bluegrass stands.
3. Develop livestock grazing systems and/or use of emerging biotechnology alternatives (microorganisms) that optimize biomass turnover and maintain or increase bluegrass seed yield without burning.
4. Compare nutrient cycling efficiency and soil quality factors in burned, reduced burn, grazed, and non-burned bluegrass production systems.
5. Investigate the aboveground insect pest and predator relationships in bluegrass systems and monitor diseases and weeds associated with the different treatments.
6. Examine the economic efficiency of each bluegrass production system including the associated production, price and financial risk.
7. Identify potential key social and economic costs and benefits of burn and non-burn production systems.
8. Distribute information to growers, field consultants, extension educators, scientific audiences, and general public.