Associate Professor
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Office: 541-737-5449

2023 Winter Field Day

Thursday - Feb 23, 2023 from 3 to 5 pm

OSU Lewis-Brown Horticulture Farm, 33329 Peoria Rd, Corvallis, OR, 97331

Dinner at Trysting Tree Golf Course

Registration and Dinner is FREE for all attendees

Please RSVP to alec.kowalewski@oregonstate.edu

Turf Program Overview

The primary goal of my extension and outreach program, which is funded by the Giustina Turf Endowment, is improving the environmental and economic sustainability of turfgrass management. Topics of interest related to this include, utilization of sustainable turfgrass varieties and cultivars, improving fertility and irrigation efficiency, and the use of pesticide alternatives. I will be involved with the development and implementation of integrated pest management programs designed to reduce pesticide use.

Giustina Turf Endowment Report (2022)

2022 Publications

Phillips, C.L., R. Wang, C. Mattox, T.L.E. Trammell, J. Young, and A. Kowalewski. 2022. High soil carbon sequestration rates persist several decades in turfgrass systems: a meta-analysis. Science of the Total Environment. S0048-9697(22)07074-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159974
Allen, J.H. D.E Ervin, G.B. Frisvold, J.T. Brosnan, J.D. McCurdy, R.G Bowling, A.J. Patton, M.T. Elmore, T.W. Gannon, L.B. McCarty, P.E. McCullough, J.E. Kaminski, S.D. Askew, A.R. Kowalewski, J.B. Unruh, J.S. McElroy, M.V. Bagavathiannan. 2022. Herbicide-Resistance in Turf Systems: Insights and Options for Managing Complexity. Sustainability. 14(20):13399. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013399
Wang, R., C.M. Mattox, C.L. Phillips, and A.R. Kowalewski. 2022. Carbon Sequestration in Turfgrass–Soil Systems. Plants. 11(19): 2478; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192478
McNally, B.C., M.T. Elmore, A.R. Kowalewski, and A.B. Cain. 2022. Phosphorus influences annual bluegrass competitiveness at seeding in perennial ryegrass and creeping bentgrass. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment. DOI: 10.1002/agg2.20321
Braithwaite, E., C. Stover, C. Schmid, and A. Kowalewski. 2022. Evaluation of fungicide programs for control of Colletotrichum cereale on annual bluegrass in western Oregon, 2021. Plant Disease Management Report. 16:T023. Retrieved Oct 11, 2022. https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume16/abstracts/t023.asp
Braithwaite, E., C. Schmid, and A. Kowalewski. 2022. Evaluation of fungicides for control of Microdochium nivale on annual bluegrass in western Oregon, 2021-2022. Plant Disease Management Report. 16:T022. Retrieved Oct 11, 2022. https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume16/abstracts/t022.asp
Ervin, D.E., L. Mitchell Dixon, A. Montry, A.J. Patton, B. Bowling, M.T. Elmore, T.W. Gannon, J.E. Kaminski, A.R. Kowalewski, J.D. McCurdy, J.S. McElroy, J.B. Unruhl, and M.V. Bagavathiannan. 2022. Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities for Improved Lawn Weed Management: insights from U.S. Lawn Care Operators. Outlooks on Pest Management. 33(3): 95–100. DOI: 10.1564/v33_jun_00.
Braun, R.C., E.T. Braithwaite, A.R. Kowalewski, E. Watkins, A.B. Hollman, and A.J. Patton. 2022. Nitrogen Fertilizer and Clover Inclusion Effects on the Establishment of Fine Fescue Taxa. Crop Science. 62:947-957. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20704
Kowalewski, A., A. Cain*, E. Braithwaite, B. McDonald, and C. Schmid. 2022. Nitrogen Fertility Rates Affecting Weed Population Dynamics in a Perennial Ryegrass Stand in Western Oregon. International Turfgrass Research Journal. 2022; 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1002/its2.106

Current Grants

Winter Turf: A Holistic Approach to Understanding the Mechanisms and Mitigating the Effects of Winter Stress on Turfgrass in Northern Climates (USDA-NIFA)
Low-input Turf (United States Department of Agriculture - Specialty Crop Research Initiative)
Annual Bluegrass Herbicide Resistance (United States Department of Agriculture - Specialty Crop Research Initiative)
Integrated Microdochium Patch Management (United States Golf Association)
Annual Bluegrass Management and Beneficial Endophytes (Northwest Turf Association)
Effects of Topdressing and Cultivation on Annual Bluegrass Greens (Golf Course Superintendent Association of America, OGCSA and GCSANC)
Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Fine Fescue and Low Input Cool-Season Turf Trials (National Turfgrass Evaluation Program)
Fungicide Alternatives for Microdochium Patch (Western Canada Turfgrass Association)
Enhancing Carbon Sequestration in Turfgrass (USDA-SCBGP, Western Canada Turf Association and Northwest Turf Association)
Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) Effects on Aerification Recovery (GCSAA, USGA and NTA)
Pacific Northwest European Chafer Migration

Current Graduate Students

Past Graduate Students

Clint Mattox, M.S. and PhD. 2020. Managing Microdochium Patch Using Non-Traditional Fungicides on Annual Bluegrass Putting Greens
Alyssa Cain, M.S. 2020. Non-Chemical Approaches to Managing Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua L.)
Micah Gould, M.S. 2017. Low Maintenance Strategies and Challenges within Oregon School Landscapes
Conner Olsen, M.S. 2017. Investigating Alternative Irrigation Strategies and Sources for the Cool-Humid Willamette Valley
Brian Daviscourt, M.S. 2017. Life-Cycle and Playability Analysis of Natural Turfgrass and Synthetic Infill Playing Surfaces Under Field Conditions

At OSU

Affiliated with:

Horticulture

Headquarters:

OSU Main Campus

Career Links:

Department of Horticulture

BeaverTurf

I accept graduate students for Horticulture

Courses Taught:

I am also responsible for teaching and advising the Turfgrass Management undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Horticulture. I am also the advisor for the OSU undergraduate Turf Club. This club is a very active group that regularly meets with industry members, participates in student competition on a national level, and frequently represents the OSU turf program as exhibitors at various industry related meetings and shows.

Turf Management Curriculum

On Campus

Online

New Professional Education and Continuing Education (PACE) Courses

Introduction to Turfgrass Mangement

Introduction to Golf Course Management

Pesticide Applicator Education and Safety

OSU Turf Program Faculty and Staff

Major Professor:

Cole Stover

Zachary Hamilton

Professional Accomplishments

Curriculum Vitae:

ciriculum_vitae_kowalewski_july_2019.docx

Employment:

2012 to present

Associate Professor, Turfgrass Specialist: Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University.

2010 to 2012

Assistant Professor, Turfgrass Management: Department of Environmental Horticulture, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

2010 to 2012

Research Scientist: Crop and Soil Science Department, University of Georgia Coastal Plains Experiment Stations.

Education:

May 2006 to May 2010

Doctorate of Philosophy: Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University
Dissertation: The built-up sand-capped athletic field system

Aug. 2003 to May 2006

Master of Science: Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University
Dissertation: Organically derived weed control methods

Aug. 1998 to Aug. 2003

Bachelor of Art: Studio Art (Honors), Michigan State University
Cognate: Landscape Design

My Awards

My Publications

Outreach and Extension

Extension Service Site Publications

(2022) Through thoughtful practices, lawns can be climate-friendly Love your grass lawn but want to make your landscape more climate-friendly? There are thoughtful ways to keep a lawn as part of your landscape while balancing climate change concerns.
(2020) Managing Crane Fly in Lawns Crane flies are large, gangly insects that do little damage as adults. But crane fly larvae are known for chewing through patches of lawn, damaging roots as grass starts growing in spring. Learn how to prevent damage to your grass with simple maintenance and irrigation practices.
(2022) Tips for Making Your School IPM Plan Complete Oregon Integrated Pest Management coordinators and other school staff from Oregon school districts, education service districts, community colleges, private K-12 schools and federal Head Start programs collaborated to develop suggestions and tips that enable schools to create and conduct more site- and situation-specific materials, education and outreach to comply with Oregon’s school IPM law.
(2022) Tips for Making Your School IPM Plan Complete
(2014) Practical Lawn Care for Western Oregon Lawns can be functional and environmentally beneficial, and they're easier to maintain than many people think. This guide will guide to a healthy green space.
(2021) Managing Microdochium Patch in Pacific Northwest Turfgrass
(2021) Irrigation Rates and Frequencies for Western and Eastern Oregon Turfgrass
(2020) Managing Crane Fly in Lawns
(2017) Managing Moss in Lawns Fed up with moss taking over your lawn? Oregon State University Extension Service turf specialist helps you learn about the conditions that encourage moss growth and the steps you can take to promote a healthy, moss-free lawn.
(2015) Integrated Pest Management for Turfgrass This video highlights the five cultural practices needed for proper integrated pest management in turfgrass: (1) mowing, (2) fertilization, (3) irrigation, (4) cultivation, and (5) pesticide selection and use.
(2019) Can I turn dirt into lawn by spring, is that possible?
(2018) Lawns Presentation Primary Cultural Practices, Cultivation and inter-seeding, Management of False dandelion and White clover
(2017) Managing Moss in Lawns in Western Oregon
(2017) Managing Moss in Lawns in Western Oregon
(2015) Best Management Practices for Maintaining Sand-based, Natural Grass Athletic Fields
(2015) Best Management Practices for Construction of Sand-based Athletic Fields for Football and Soccer
(2015) Integrated Pest Management for Turfgrass
(2015) How can I stop this summer lawn visitor?
(2015) What is the best driveway grass?
(2014) Retail Lawn Seed Mixtures for Western Oregon and Western Washington
(2014) Practical Lawn Care for Western Oregon
(2013) Grass Browning

Extension Publications

Mattox, C., B. McDonald and A. Kowalewski. 2021. Managing Microdochium Patch in Pacific Northwest Turfgrass. EM 9321. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9321
Cain, A., A. Kowalewski, B. McDonld and C. Mattox. 2021. Irrigation Rates and Frequencies for Western and Eastern Oregon Turfgrass. EM 9311 https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9311
Kowalewski, A., B. Edmunds, B. McDonald and E. Braithwaite. 2020. Managing Crane Fly in Lawns. OSU Extension Services. EM 9296https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9296/html
Voderberg, D. and A. Kowalewski. 2017. El mantenimiento práctico del césped en el oeste de Oregon. OSU Extension Services. EM 9167-S. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9167s
Edmonds, B. and A. Kowalewski. 2017. Controlling Moss in Lawns. OSU Extension Services. EM9175. Retrieved December 7, 2017. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9175
Kowalewski, A. and G. Stahnke. 2017. Chapter 9: Lawns. Master Gardener Manual. Washington State University Extension Service. EC001. Submitted May 3, 2017.
Kowalewski, A. and C. Foss. 2015. Integrated Pest Management for Turfgrass. OSU Extension Services. EM9123. Retrieved July 29, 2015. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9123
Goatley, M., R. Maguire, A. Kowalewski and D. Linde. 2015. Utilizing Soil Tests in Nutrient Management for Sports Fields. The Safe Foundation. pg 1-8. Reviewed by the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Extension and Outreach Committee.
Kowalewski, A. G. Stahnke, T. Cook and R. Goss. 2015. Best Management Practices for Maintaining Sand-based, Natural Grass Athletic Fields. A Pacific Northwest Extension Publication (PNW676). pg 1-13. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw676
Kowalewski, A. G. Stahnke, T. Cook and R. Goss. 2015 Best Management Practices for Construction of Sand-based Natural Grass Athletic Fields. A Pacific Northwest Extension Publication (PNW675). pg 1-13. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw675
Kowalewski, A. 2014. Developing an Integrated Pest Management Plan. 2014. Sports Turf Mangers Association: The Safe Foundation. pg 1-7. http://stma.org/sites/stma/files/EDigest/Developing_IPM-Plan%20FINAL.pdf
Baker, S. and A. Kowalewski. 2014. Retail Lawn Seed Mixtures for Western Oregon and Western Washington. OSU Extension Service. EC9100. http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/54019/em9100.pdf
Voderberg, D. and A. Kowalewski. 2014. Practical Lawn Care for Western Oregon. OSU Extension Service. EC1521. http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/51127/ec1521.pdf

My Media

My News Articles:

Need a Bit of Luck? Turn to a Clover Lawn

Full story

Eco-friendly lawns require forethought to attract pollinators

Clover and ryegrass are the dominent plants in a pollinator lawn. Photo by Carolyn Breece.

To support pollinators, people have turned to creating eco-friendly spaces around their homes, including replacing their grass lawns with flowering plants.

Full story

Primary tabs

Alec Kowalewski

2023 Winter Field Day

Registration and Dinner is FREE for all attendees

Turf Program Overview

2022 Publications

Current Grants

Current Graduate Students

Past Graduate Students

Turf Management Curriculum

New Professional Education and Continuing Education (PACE) Courses

OSU Turf Program Faculty and Staff

Extension Service Site Publications

Extension Publications

Need a Bit of Luck? Turn to a Clover Lawn

Need a Bit of Luck? Turn to a Clover Lawn

Eco-friendly lawns require forethought to attract pollinators

Eco-friendly lawns require forethought to attract pollinators

Student Resources

Employee Resources

New Employees