Education

 
Index

Thomas A Nikolai, Ph.D.

Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D. discovered that lightweight rolling decreases dollar spot and other turfgrass pests and he initiated mowing/rolling frequency research that maintains consistent green speeds, reduces turfgrass stress, and leads to economic saving. Nikolai also discovered that mulching deciduous leaves into turfgrass canopies results in fewer broad leaf weeds and he initiated alternative spike research which paved the way for the demise of the metal spike. He is author of the book “The Superintendents Guide to Putting Green Speed” and is world renowned as the “Dr. of Green Speed” due to the numerous studies he has performed that investigate putting green cultural and mechanical practices. (He actually earned his Ph.D. at Michigan State University.) Nikolai has given hundreds of presentations on 4 continents, 30 countries, 7 Canadian Provinces, and 36 states. In 2010, he initiated a study to investigate the social, economic, and environmental impact of turfgrass on an urban society by mowing and fertilizing around abandoned homes, lots, and parks in Flint, Mich. Classes Nikolai teaches at Michigan State University includes Turf and Landscape Analytical Practices, Turfgrass Irrigation, Pesticide and Fertilizer Application Technology, and World of Soils.

Presenting