Dr. Peacock’s graduate training was in Turfgrass Science at the University of Florida. Prior to coming to NC State, he was Assistant/Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science and Extension Turfgrass Specialist at the University of Florida and also spent time as Senior Agronomist with the sod farming operations of Anheuser-Busch.Dr. Peacock teaches Advanced Turf Management (CS 155) and Environmental Issues in Turf Management (CS 495J/590J), serves as advisor to undergraduate and graduate students, is advisor to the GCSAA student chapter, and conducts research in turfgrass management, nutrient management, nutrient fate, stress physiology and environmental Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Teaching

CS 155, Advanced Turf Management is the capstone course in the Agricultural Institute Turfgrass Management curriculum. In this class, students learn how to integrate advanced turf management concepts relating to plant nutrition, plant water relations, stress physiology, Integrated Pest Management, and environmental management into turf management programs for a wide variety of turf situations.

CS 495J/590J, Environmental Issues in Turf Management is the capstone course in the Agronomy, Turfgrass concentration curriculum. The course objectives are for students to learn the principles of sustainability and ecosystem structure and function; the application of Best Management Practices and Integrated Pest Management in turfgrass management systems; and how to evaluate environmental quality, particularly water quality and wildlife habitat and develop strategies to protect these resources.

Research

Nutrient Management

Dr. Peacock’s most recent research has involved collaborative efforts with other faculty in determining the fate of nitrogen applied to golf course fairways and its environmental impact. Studies have been conducted at various locations in the Piedmont and coastal plain of NC to monitor where nitrogen applied to bermudagrass turf concentrates and determine if it is migrating off-site and becoming a pollution problem. Additional studies in nutrient management have evaluated the requirement of bermudagrass turf for sulfur and evaluating various nitrogen sources for efficiency of utilization by creeping bentgrass. Cultivar evaluation – Another project which is currently underway include the evaluation of bermudagrass cultivars for their establishment rate, nutrient requirements, cold tolerance and salinity tolerance. This is especially important information to help golf course designers, superintendents and athletic field managers make decisions about bermudagrass cultivar selection.

Extension

Dr. Peacock also provides extension information and education opportunities by working with the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina on their conferences. He has served at Conference Committee co-chair the last two years and participates as a speaker at the annual conferences in Charlotte, Asheville and Wilmington. He also often is a speaker at regional trade association meetings. Most recently he has teamed with Dr. Art Bruneau to re-write a series of publications for the turfgrass industry on how to protect water quality

Extension Publications