Perceptions of organic practices among turfgrass professionals in Louisiana

Tyler Granberry; Matthew Lambert; Jeffery Beasley; Jeff Kuehny; Lisa Fultz; Shelli Rampold

doi:10.37433/aad.v4i2.287

Authors

Tyler Granberry University of Tennessee, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7981-0027
Matthew Lambert Louisiana State University, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3329-3244
Jeffery Beasley Louisiana State University, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9626-0701
Jeff Kuehny Louisiana State University, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3853-744X
Lisa Fultz Louisiana State University, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2461-6016
Shelli D. Rampold University of Tennessee, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4815-7157

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37433/aad.v4i2.287

Keywords:

sustainable practices, organic fertilizers, organic pesticides

Abstract

Landscape contractors are increasingly interested in organic products for Louisiana’s residential and commercial turfgrass areas. However, the use, motivations, and barriers to adopting organic practices in the commercial turfgrass and landscape industry sector are not well documented. This study examined the perceptions of organic landscaping practices among members of the Louisiana Turfgrass Association. The study’s participants were primarily men aged 31 to 60, with six to 25 years of landscaping experience. Most turfgrass professionals were applying organic fertilizers and believed future organic product use would increase due to consumer demands and potential governmental regulation. Turfgrass professionals responded that they understood the USDA definition of organic but were less familiar with Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) labeling. Greater efficacy and access to organic products coupled with increased extension and educational efforts may increase Louisiana turfgrass professionals’ choices to adopt organic practices; however, more research is needed to better understand the adoption processes at play.

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