1. use along highway right of way.
- Author
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Maryland. State Highway Administration. Office of Policy & Research, Engelhardt, Katharina A M, Hawkins, Kara, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Appalachian Laboratory, Maryland. State Highway Administration. Office of Policy & Research, Engelhardt, Katharina A M, Hawkins, Kara, and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Appalachian Laboratory
- Abstract
SP509B4E, Katharina, A. M. Engelhardt orcid.org/0000-0002-9185-4292, Roadsides are managed as mowed turfgrass to prevent erosion, maintain visibility, provide a safety zone, for stopped vehicles, and improve aesthetics. Roadside vegetation often needs to be mowed several times, each growing season, and in addition to its cost mowing exposes workers to traffic and other hazards, discharges tailpipe gases, and disturbs soil. This study explored the efficacy of using commerciallyavailable, grass species that may reduce maintenance costs, yet still provide economic and ecological, services such as fast establishment, erosion control, ecosystem benefits, and resilience. A literature review, of over 500 journal articles, white papers, reports, and fact sheets and discussions with turfgrass experts, produced a list of over 100 graminoid species. A trait-based approach was then used to select a subset of, species for evaluation. The final selection included 21 species and cultivars. Each species was given an, overall grade (A=Excellent, B=Good, C=Fair, D=Poor, and F=Very poor) reflecting six economic and, ecological services. Maryland's standard roadside seed tall fescue received a grade below the median grade., Fine fescues ranked higher than tall fescue owing to lower stature and generally higher resilience. The, native grass species Sporobolus, side-oats grama, and purple lovegrass received excellent grades (A or A-), and should be further studied as alternatives to tall fescue. Species that are not recommended for roadsides, include Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, prairie junegrass, alkaligrass, and zoysia.