Overview

I administer a broad-based research and education program focused on ecological aspects of turfgrass science. The goal of my research and education efforts for undergraduates, graduate students and industry professionals is to improve the environmental compatibility and economic feasibility of turfgrass management systems.

Research Focus

Currently , my research is focused on nutrient management, improved mowing technology and non-chemical pest management programs for golf and sports turf.

Outreach and Extension Focus

I maintain a strong problem-solving focus in my extension program with particular emphasis on increased resource efficiency and improved environmental compatibility. I use a "just-in-time" delivery strategy in partnership with industry and environmental organizations to provide the latest research-based information when the practitioners need it most. One example is ShortCUTT, a weekly subscriber-only e-newsletter sent to more than 3000 turf managers.

Instruction Focus

I teach three Golf and Sports Turf Management courses that include traditional lecture, lab and discussion formats. Since assuming leadership of the turfgrass instructional efforts in 2004 I have completely revised the turfgrass curriculum to address the growing needs of the landscape architecture program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the resort and club management programs in the School of Hotel Administration. The focus of the instructional efforts has been to provide a science-based turfgrass curriculum in the context of economics and real world problem-solving.

Additional Links

• Cornell Gardening Resources: Lawn
• Cornell Turfgrass Program
• Link to CALS Research portal
• Link to CALS Impact statements

Selected Publications

• Rossi, F.S. 2006. Cornell University Turfgrass Times. Serve as editor and principle author of award winning quarterly research and extension digest.
• Woods, M. S., Q. M. Ketterings, F. S. Rossi, and A. M. Petrovic. 2006. Potassium availability indices and turfgrass performance in a calcareous sand putting green. Crop Sci. 46(1):p. 381-389.
• Woods, M. S., F. S. Rossi, and Q. M. Ketterings. 2006. Potassium supply rate as measured by exchange membranes in a calcareous sand. [Online]Appl. Turfgrass Sci. p. [1-7].
• Ketterings, Q. M., M. S. Woods, and F. S. Rossi. 2005. Effectiveness of standard soil tests for assessing potassium availability in sand rootzones. Soil Science. 170(2):p. 110-119.
• Rossi, F.S., C. Cramer, and C. Mazza. 2005. Lawn Care without Pesticides. Cornell University publication 141IB248.

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