TM 5-803-13/AFM 126-8
egories of use and the impact on the immediate
simplified approach to the climatic diversity which exists
environment. Environmental impact will be greatest in
within the United States. Therefore, it is recommended
improved areas, because the site is altered to provide for
that local university agronomists, Agricultural Extension
intensive use and high maintenance. Unimproved areas
Service agents or USDA Soil Conservation Service
have the least impact on the existing environment
district representatives be contacted for local guidelines.
because very little, if any, site preparation is done and
Warm-season grasses are those which have optimal
maintenance is minimal. A blending of the two extremes
growth during daytime temperatures of 80 degrees to 95
creates a moderate environmental impact, such as in
degrees Fahrenheit, and cool-season grasses prefer
semi-improved areas where site preparation and main-
temperatures of 60 degrees to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The
tenance are at moderate levels.
transition zone is an area of overlap where some species
of both warm and cool-season grasses can exist or adapt.
4.
Selection of turf and turf alternatives.
The following paragraphs discuss the major
a. Major regions of turfgrass adaptation. The adapt-
characteristics of warm-season, cool-season and
ability of turfgrass species in different regions of the
transition zone grasses. Individual species for each zone
country is based primarily on tolerance of particular
are discussed in appendix C.
(1) Warm-season grasses. These grasses grow
temperature conditions and season of most active growth
for the cultivar. These regions are illustrated in figure 4-1
most actively during the hot summer months and become
as three categories: warm-season, temperate or cool-
inactive during the winter. During this winter dormancy
season and a zone of transition. This is a highly
4-2
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