National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP)

A) purpose - to evaluate turfgrasses across north america for different uses such as athletic fields, golf courses, home lawns, etc. Information is collected on color, density, leaf texture, resistance to disease, insects, droughts, etc. In various climates throughout the country. B) frequency and duration - annually new tests are initiated to evaluate experimental and commercially available grasses. Each of the tests run for four to five years. C) tests are conducted and data is collected by state universities and private universities throughout the country by their employees. The tests are evaluated throughout the growing season in each particular climate. D) in order to participate in the testing Program the owner of each grass must pay a testing fee of $6,000 per grass. No other requirements must be met. There are no requirements for anyone to receive a benefit from the tests. Data from tests are published via annual progress reports and also in various trade journals. Information released is public knowledge. E) the fees for the tests are $6,000 spread over a three year period for each grass. The basis for the charges are based upon operating expenses of the organization and costs of performing the tests as contracted with each of the universities. F) the activity has and will continue to protect and inform distributors and consumers by providing an unbiased Evaluation of various grasses throughout the country. G) 90% of the total time and effort of the organization is devoted to carrying out this testing activity.support for schedule a - form 990, page 1, part iii4) organization - state and private universities are the only organizations which are participating in the testing Program. They are determined to qualify if they have an agricultural Program at their institution and they must sign a research contract to ensure compliance with the requirements of the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program, Inc.