Integrated Residue Management Systems for Sustained Seed Yield of

Kentucky Bluegrass Without Burning

Problem: Sustained Kentucky Bluegrass seed productivity historically has relied on open-field burning of post-harvest residues, which has been associated with significant air quality issues and public health impacts. Non-thermal Kentucky bluegrass seed production systems reduce the consectutive number of bluegrass seed crops from ten or more to about two. To sustain the future of Kentucky bluegrass seed production, an important source of income for farmers in northern Idaho and eastern Washington, the goal must be to encourage in situ decomposition and/or removal of straw residue. In the absence of burning and without enhanced straw decomposition or efficient removal methods, bluegrass acreage in this area will decrease dramatically. Thus, alternative management systems must be developed that eliminate or substantially reduce the need to burn bluegrass residues, yet sustain productivity and economically advantageous seed yields.

Objective: Design and test economically sustainable Kentucky bluegrass crop management systems that minimize or eliminate the need for open field burning of post-harvest residues, thereby substantially improving regional air, soil, and water quality.

1. Maintain Kentucky bluegrass seed yields in non-thermally managed systems by optimizing straw decomposition.

2. Compare nutrient cycling efficiency and soil quality indicators in burned and non-thermal Kentucky bluegrass systems.

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