Research Publications
Identification of earthworm species in sand-topdressed hybrid bermudagrass tees
International Turfgrass Society Research Journal
On golf courses, casting – the egestion of feces – by earthworms on the turfgrass surface can affect playability, growth, and maintenance. The earthworm species responsible for surface casting vary depending on location, climate and weather, soil texture, and turfgrass management practices. The objective of this study was to determine earthworm density and species composition in native soil and sand-based golf tees managed under different sand topdressing rates (heavy at 2.54 cm yr–1 or light at 0.64 cm yr–1) in Fayetteville, AR. Earthworms were collected December 2016 by hand sorting and identified using DNA extraction and sequencing. Light sand topdressing resulted in significantly greater earthworm density. Soil rootzone did not affect earthworm density, which may have resulted from variability in earthworm populations sampled. All communities were comprised primarily of Diplocardia spp.; however, lightly topdressed treatments included Bimastos parvus (Eisen, 1874) and both topdressing treatments included Microscolex phosphoreus (Dugès, 1837). Amynthas spp. were present in all treatments except the heavily topdressed native soil treatment.
Testing Flowering Perennial Plants in a Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) Lawn
HortScience
Most pollinating insects require a season-long succession of floral resources to fulfill life-cycle requirements. Incorporating forbs into turfgrass sites may create a season-long sequence of flowers to support foraging pollinators. However, persistence of forbs in warm-season turfgrasses such as bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) may be affected by the competitive nature of the turfgrass and routine management practices such as mowing. A 2-year study was conducted to evaluate seven forbs (Bellis perennis L., Lotus corniculatus L., Prunella vulgaris L., Trifolium fragiferum L. ‘Fresa’, Trifolium repens L. ‘Durana’ and ‘Resolute’, Trifolium subterraneum L.) for persistence and ability to produce floral resources for pollinating insects in a low maintenance bermudagrass lawn. Plugs of each species were incorporated into ‘Riviera’ bermudagrass in Apr. 2016. Vegetative cover, flower production, flowering period and pollinator foraging were assessed. Prunella vulgaris bloomed July through August and achieved 100% cover (0% bermudagrass) by 2017. Trifolium repens achieved a more balanced competitive density with the bermudagrass and produced flowers from June through August in both years. Trifolium fragiferum persisted over two growing seasons but only bloomed in 2017. Bellis perennis, Lotus corniculatus and Trifolium subterraneum did not persist. Pollinators were observed foraging on all persistent, flowering forbs, including Trifolium repens, Prunella vulgaris, and Trifolium fragiferum. Trifolium repens and Prunella vulgaris produced the most flowers and attracted the most pollinators.
Ecology and management of earthworm casting on sports turf
Pest Management Science
Abstract: Earthworm activity is beneficial in most natural and agricultural systems, but excessive earthworm casting is a problem on sports fields worldwide. Expulsion of soil‐rich earthworm fecal matter, or casts, as mounds of soil on the turf canopy can muddy the surface, reduce photosynthesis, and lead to thinning, weed invasion and surface softening. Casts affect ball roll on sports fields, cause fouling of maintenance equipment, and dull mower blades. Build‐up of cast material on reel mower units can affect height and quality of cut. Casting activity is dependent on environmental conditions such as soil texture, temperature, moisture, pH, and organic matter. Response to environmental conditions varies by species. Management options are limited, because no pesticides are specifically labeled for earthworm control at this time, and cultural control methods such as soil modification, turfgrass clipping removal, and sand topdressing have limited and inconsistent efficacy. Products containing plant‐derived saponins and irritants show promise for earthworm management. Pest management practices to mitigate excessive earthworm casting will likely need to be species‐specific, but limited knowledge of earthworm identification by end‐users further inhibits the efficacy of control measures.
Other Publications
My Research
What I’ve Done
Dissertation Research
Clover Inclusion for Value-Added Lawns
The objective of this study is to assess the function of fertilized and unfertilized white clover (Trifolium repens), rose clover (T. hirtum), crimson clover (T. incarnatum), and strawberry clover (T. fragiferum) co-seeded with Kentucky bluegrass for value-added lawns.
M.S. Thesis
Species and Cultural Management of Earthworms on Golf Course Turf in Arkansas and Oklahoma
The objectives of this study were to test the effects of sand topdressing rate and rootzone on earthworm casting activity and to determine earthworm species composition on golf course turf in AR and OK. Results indicate that light topdressing on a native soil rootzone may reduce casting activity, while topdressing rate in a sand-capped rootzone may not significantly impact casting activity.
Undergraduate Honors Research
The effect of turning frequency on in-vessel compost processing and quality
The goal of this research was to determine if aeration frequency affects processing or final quality of compost made with pre- and post-consumer food waste feedstock. Recommended values for temperature, pH, MC, and total C:N ratio were all possible to reach when composting with Earth Tubs™, but there was little effect of aeration frequency on final quality of compost, and quality was not consistent over time.
Eco:REU Research
Habitat assessment and ecological restoration design for an unnamed tributary of Stone Dam Creek, Conway, Arkansas
A tributary of Stone Dam Creek runs partially underground and through the University of Central Arkansas campus. The stream was assessed using the EPA's Rapid Bioassessment Protocols to determine impairment level and received a RBP score of 71.2 out of 200 compared to 153.5 in a recently-restored reference stream. An ecological restoration design was prepared to address areas of impairment. The goal was to increase cross-sectional area of the stream and improve stream morphology. With the proposed design, modeled stream velocity was reduced throughout the stream by 19.6% and RPB scores were anticipated to increase throughout the stream reach.