Richard Cooper

Richard Cooper is a Professor in Turfgrass Science at North Carolina State University, listed under Retired Faculty. His 50% teaching/50% research appointment includes instructing courses like CS 210 (Lawns and Sports Turf) and CS 400 (Turf Cultural Systems), delivered via distance education. He advises students in turfgrass management programs and facilitates internships.

Research focuses on practical turfgrass management: non-nutritional growth enhancers, soil microbial dynamics, and distance learning applications. Key themes include herbicide residue effects, salt tolerance in bermudagrass, and fungicide impacts on turf quality. His work bridges agronomy, plant physiology, and environmental science.

Publications (1998-2018) emphasize turfgrass physiology, pesticide management, and cultivar performance. Notable studies investigate humic acid effects on bentgrass and regional adaptation of Cynodon spp. in the Southeastern U.S.

Teaching innovations include integrating digital platforms for turf education, reflecting his dual focus on practical field management and academic delivery.