10-Minute University™ is the trademark of short classes on essential gardening information. All presentations are free and each is accompanied by a handout. Oregon State University owns the trademark and Clackamas County Master Gardeners develop and manage the program.

It has become fashionable to condemn lawns as wasteful and damaging to the environment. In fact, however, all plants have the potential to capture carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, and the lawn’s long growing season means that it has real potential for pulling carbon from the air into grass blades and root systems.

So, how to maximize a lawn’s potential for carbon sequestration?

OSU’s Turf Management Program researchers are studying how to make lawns more climate friendly. This session will review what types of lawns are most eco-friendly, and how best to mow, fertilize, and irrigate for both healthy plants and maximum carbon sequestration.  It will also discuss which cultural practices to avoid because they encourage soil microbes to break down organic matter, thus releasing carbon back into the atmosphere.

Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D., has over 20 years of research experience and multiple publications on various turfgrass species obtained while employed at Michigan State University, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, the University of Georgia, and Oregon State University.  Alec is an Associate Professor at Oregon State University. He teaches classes in the Department of Horticulture and provides Extension material for stakeholders in turfgrass and landscape management. His primary research interest is improving the economic and environmental sustainability of turfgrass.

This online seminar is free with advanced registration. Even if you cannot attend live, register anyway. A recording link will be sent 2 days after the class. Register here