Dr. Marco Schiavon

Assistant Professor of Environmental Horticulture/Turfgrass Science

Dr. Schiavon's research and extension programs focus on environmentally compatible strategies for turfgrass management. His lab investigates potable water conservation strategies for turfgrass areas, including, but not limited to: use of drought resisting cultivars, deficit irrigation, use of alternative sources of irrigation water (e.g. effluent water), and use of wetting agents. He collaborates with researchers, resource managers, biologists and industry leaders to address current and future issues that are important for creating and maintaining healthy turgrass systems.

• Research

  Research: Effluent water irrigation for turfgrass areas

  Dr. Schiavon is evaluating the effects of effluent water on St. Augustinegrass and bermudagrass. Over the last 40 years, the number of golf courses, sport facilities, college campuses and parks that use treated effluent for irrigation has steadily increased. The results of his research will provide stakeholders (golf course superintendents, landscape companies, municipalities, and turfgrass managers in general) an understanding of potential benefits of using reclaimed water and surfactants on sand native soil.

   

  Research: Pinpointing management practices for new and existing St. Augustinegrass cultivars

  Dr. Schiavon works with statewide turfgrass team to identify best management practices for new turfgrass cultivars (e.g. ‘CitraBlue’ St. Augustinegrass). His research involves testing effects of reduced irrigation, fertilization and blackout periods on Florida lawns

   

• Extension

  Extension: South Florida Turfgrass Field Day and Expo

  Dr. Schiavon leads the South Florida Turfgrass Field Day and Expo, an annual event that brings together around 200 of Florida’s turfgrass managers. University faculty, state and federal biologists, and other experts share the latest research involving turfgrass management practices and their impact on the environment. Currently licensed pesticide applicators can earn credits to maintain their state-issued RUP license.

   

  Extension: Turfgrass training

  Dr. Schiavon provides statewide Extension programming that focuses on turfgrass identification and management. The goal of the program is to provide turfgrass managers with the tools they need to identify plants and to determine what strategies can be used to correctly management (i.e. fertilization, irrigation, weed control, etc.).

• Lab Team

  LAB MEMBER INFORMATION

  Sergio Gallo, Biological Scientist II
  sgallo@ufl.edu

  Patrick Mcloughlin, Ph.D. Student
  p.mcloughlin@ufl.edu 
  
  

  Alejandra Sierra, Ph.D. Student
  iasierra@ufl.edu 

• Education
  • B.S. Agriculture and Agriculture Technology University of Padua 2005
  • M.S. Agriculture and Agriculture Technology University of Padua 2007
  • Ph.D. Agronomy New Mexico State University 2013
• Curriculum Vitae

  Curriculum Vitae

• Publications

  Extension

  Research Publications