Mike Richardson

Dr. Mike Richardson is a Professor in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Arkansas, serving since 1998. His roles include Director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Visiting Scholar at the University of Padova (2013). He teaches courses in turfgrass management and conducts research on cultural practices for cool- and warm-season turfgrasses in transition zones. Richardson has authored over 120 journal articles and 10 book chapters, with expertise in shade management, winter protection strategies, and pollinator-friendly lawn systems.

Education:

• PhD in Agronomy, University of Georgia (1991)
• MS in Agronomy, Louisiana State University (1988)
• BS in Animal Sciences, Louisiana Tech University (1986)

Research Focus:

• Minimum light requirements for turfgrass species
• Winter survival of warm-season putting greens
• Nanobubble-oxygenated water applications
• Prairie restoration genetics
• Pollinator habitat integration in lawns

His work has been recognized with the Fred V. Grau Turfgrass Science Award and Spitze Land Grant Award. Richardson serves on editorial boards for Crop Science and Agricultural and Environmental Letters, and advises industry groups like Turfgrass Producers International. His teaching includes HORT 2303 (Turfgrass Management), HORT 4903 (Golf Turf), and HORT 4921 (Golf Course Operations).