Evaluating the sustainability of turfgrass lawn assemblages

Abstract Turfgrasses are estimated to cover significant land areas in the United States. It is important to ensure lawns are sustainable while still maintaining ecosystem services. Previous research has evaluated the sustainability of mixing species and cultivars. Cultivar performance was not accounted for in prior studies. Sixteen cultivars were selected from the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) trials based on turfgrass quality and commercial availability (four Kentucky bluegrass [ Poa pratensis L.; KBG] cultivars, four tall fescue [ Schedonorus arundinaceus Scherb.; TF] cultivars, four fine fescue [ Festuca spp.; FF] cultivars, and four perennial ryegrass [ Lolium perenne L.; PR] cultivars). Cultivars were grouped into various assemblage types (monocultures, three‐species mixes, three‐cultivar blends, and three‐species by three‐cultivar mixes). Turfgrass assemblages were all similar in drought tolerance, soil organic carbon, and soil microbial biomass. Three cultivar assemblages exhibited higher percent green cover from 42 days after seeding until the end of establishment. Three species and three cultivar assemblages leached similar or lower nitrate levels than three‐species by three‐cultivar assemblages and monocultures.