Browsing by Author "Yue, Chengyan"

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    Regional Optimization of Roadside Turfgrass Seed Mixtures Phase 2: Regional Field Trials and Economic Analysis
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2022-07) Watkins, Eric; Christensen, Dominic; Yue, Chengyan; Moncada, Kristine
    Our goal was to develop seed mixture recommendations to improve establishment and development of roadside vegetation in Minnesota. We selected 14 research sites across Minnesota and seeded 40 turfgrass mixtures. Turfgrass coverage was assessed at each site twice a year and the weed seed bank was examined. We found that greater seeded turfgrass species richness was important for increasing and stabilizing roadside turfgrass coverage across space. We also found differences in the type and density of the weed seed bank at many sites, but its impact was relatively low on weed coverage over time. We considered soil and weather variables and found three significant seeding clusters for Minnesota consisting of two geographical seeding clusters (north and central/south) and one non-geographical cluster for sites with poor soil quality. Three new mixtures for each cluster were recommended for Minnesota. Implementing these mixtures will reduce soil erosion, improve aesthetics, save local communities' financial resources, and improve the overall environment we occupy. As a complement to the field research, we developed cost prediction models that were incorporated into a detailed enterprise budget tool to calculate the roadside establishment costs that include labor, water, seed, sod, fertilizer, and other factors. This Excel-based tool can be used by local and state officials in determining budgets for roadside installations and which types or combinations of turfgrasses would be most cost effective, while also generating optimal performance.
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    Turfgrass Seed Variety Evaluation Process
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2023-05) Watkins, Eric; Yue, Chengyan; Hollman, Andrew; Moncada, Kristine
    Our project addresses two critical needs: to update existing MnDOT turfgrass recommendation lists and to develop a new process to keep lists continually updated in a fair manner with data-driven recommendations. We evaluated the current list of MnDOT-approved turfgrass varieties and found underperforming varieties that should be removed. We then found new, improved varieties that should be considered for inclusion on the MnDOT lists. To facilitate a process to keep lists updated for the future, we first conducted a survey of seed distributors. Using their input, we developed a new process that MnDOT can use to approve turfgrass varieties for inclusion as official seed mixtures. Ultimately, this will lead to a more nimble, consistent, and clear process so that existing and new seed vendors can have complete confidence in data-driven decision making by MnDOT.