Turfgrass Through Time: Historical Uses, Cultural Values, and Sustainability Transitions
Turfgrass has evolved from a fundamental element of natural landscapes to a key component of ornamental, recreational, and ecological systems. This review examines its historical trajectory, from ancient civilizations and medieval monastic gardens to modern urban green spaces, highlighting cultural,...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Agronomy |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/5/1095 |
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| author | Paola Viola Marianna Olivadese Alberto Minelli |
| author_facet | Paola Viola Marianna Olivadese Alberto Minelli |
| author_sort | Paola Viola |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Turfgrass has evolved from a fundamental element of natural landscapes to a key component of ornamental, recreational, and ecological systems. This review examines its historical trajectory, from ancient civilizations and medieval monastic gardens to modern urban green spaces, highlighting cultural, technological, and environmental influences. The study integrates historical analysis with agronomic and ecological research to assess turfgrass’s role in soil conservation, carbon sequestration, water management, and biodiversity enhancement. The methodological approach combines a historical–literary review with an analysis of scientific advancements in turfgrass management, focusing on low-input species, precision irrigation, and climate-adaptive strategies. The findings indicate that while turfgrass contributes to urban resilience and ecosystem services, conventional high-maintenance practices pose sustainability challenges. The review underscores the need for multifunctional turfgrass systems that balance aesthetics with ecological benefits. A shift toward eco-friendly management practices will be essential for the long-term sustainability of turfgrass in modern landscapes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d5a13944bcbc4a18b6705ea49c8302f5 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2073-4395 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Agronomy |
| spelling | doaj-art-d5a13944bcbc4a18b6705ea49c8302f52025-08-20T03:47:48ZengMDPI AGAgronomy2073-43952025-04-01155109510.3390/agronomy15051095Turfgrass Through Time: Historical Uses, Cultural Values, and Sustainability TransitionsPaola Viola0Marianna Olivadese1Alberto Minelli2Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin, 42, 40127 Bologna, ItalyDepartment of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin, 42, 40127 Bologna, ItalyDepartment of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin, 42, 40127 Bologna, ItalyTurfgrass has evolved from a fundamental element of natural landscapes to a key component of ornamental, recreational, and ecological systems. This review examines its historical trajectory, from ancient civilizations and medieval monastic gardens to modern urban green spaces, highlighting cultural, technological, and environmental influences. The study integrates historical analysis with agronomic and ecological research to assess turfgrass’s role in soil conservation, carbon sequestration, water management, and biodiversity enhancement. The methodological approach combines a historical–literary review with an analysis of scientific advancements in turfgrass management, focusing on low-input species, precision irrigation, and climate-adaptive strategies. The findings indicate that while turfgrass contributes to urban resilience and ecosystem services, conventional high-maintenance practices pose sustainability challenges. The review underscores the need for multifunctional turfgrass systems that balance aesthetics with ecological benefits. A shift toward eco-friendly management practices will be essential for the long-term sustainability of turfgrass in modern landscapes.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/5/1095turfgrass historysustainable managementclimate adaptationecosystem servicesurban resilience |
| spellingShingle | Paola Viola Marianna Olivadese Alberto Minelli Turfgrass Through Time: Historical Uses, Cultural Values, and Sustainability Transitions Agronomy turfgrass history sustainable management climate adaptation ecosystem services urban resilience |
| title | Turfgrass Through Time: Historical Uses, Cultural Values, and Sustainability Transitions |
| title_full | Turfgrass Through Time: Historical Uses, Cultural Values, and Sustainability Transitions |
| title_fullStr | Turfgrass Through Time: Historical Uses, Cultural Values, and Sustainability Transitions |
| title_full_unstemmed | Turfgrass Through Time: Historical Uses, Cultural Values, and Sustainability Transitions |
| title_short | Turfgrass Through Time: Historical Uses, Cultural Values, and Sustainability Transitions |
| title_sort | turfgrass through time historical uses cultural values and sustainability transitions |
| topic | turfgrass history sustainable management climate adaptation ecosystem services urban resilience |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/5/1095 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT paolaviola turfgrassthroughtimehistoricalusesculturalvaluesandsustainabilitytransitions AT mariannaolivadese turfgrassthroughtimehistoricalusesculturalvaluesandsustainabilitytransitions AT albertominelli turfgrassthroughtimehistoricalusesculturalvaluesandsustainabilitytransitions |