Researchers Trying to Make Grass Grow Slower
Dr. Matthew Cutulle has gone to war with grass along Highway 412. in west Madison County. His goal is to slow down the amount of times state workers have to mow the grass along state highways and to control Johnson grass and thistle. Dr. Matthew Cutulle said, “For roadsides I think they mow three or four times a growing season. If you could just cut down one or two mowing cycles you would be able to save a lot of money.” Tyler Campbell is a senior at The University of Tennessee. He is assisting Dr. Cutulle with this project. Campbell sees this as “cutting” edge research. Campbell said, “You drive down the road and you don’t want to see high weeds, thistles, Johnson grass. It’s just not pleasing. We are just trying to help the whole state see the roads better.” Along with the test plot on Highway 412 similar tests are being held in Dixon and Pelham, Tenn. This is a two year study that has just begun. If you are wondering if you will be able to use the information learned during this research project on your own lawn, the answer is you can’t. Cutulle said, “The ingredients are not something you want to put on a home lawn.” The researchers come here once a month. Next to the test plot is an area that will not be touched. The two areas will be compared. Cutulle said, “We had a mowing treatment we put out this time. Next time we might come with a fertility treatment or we are just gonna take data.”
