Dr. Braun has a research background in turfgrass science focusing on fine fescues, zoysiagrass, buffalograss and other low-input turfgrass systems, cultural weed management, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, deficit irrigation, and drought and traffic stress. Dr. Braun is a lead research scholar for Dr. Aaron Patton. His research focuses on investigating solutions to establishment and management barriers in low-input turfgrass systems, delivering research based information using innovative outreach methods, and evaluating new zoysiagrass genotypes as a low-input turf.

Ph.D. Horticulture, Kansas State University, 2017; M.S. Horticulture, Kansas State University, 2014; B.S. Sports an Urban Turfgrass Management, North Dakota State University, 2011

Selected Publications

Braun, R.C., A.J. Patton, E. Watkins, A.B. Hollman, J.A. Murphy, B.S. Park, A.R. Kowalewski, & E.T. Braithwaite. 2021. Optimal fine fescue mixture seeding dates in the northern United States. Agron. J. doi:10.1002/agj2.20859

Patton, A.J.,  R.C., Braun, R.C. Bearss, & G.P. Schortgen. 2021. Herbicide tolerance in eleven grass species for minimal-no-mow golf course rough. Agrosyst. Geosci. Environ. doi:10.1002/agg2.20204

Braun, R.C., E. Watkins, A.B. Hollman, N.T. Mihelich, & A.J. Patton. 2021. Investigation of cool-season species, seeding rate, and nitrogen fertilization in sod production: II. Management and shelf-life. Agron. J. doi:10.1002/agj2.20777

Braun, R.C., E. Watkins, A.B. Hollman, N.T. Mihelich, & A.J. Patton. 2021. Investigation of cool-season species, seeding rate, and nitrogen fertilization in sod production: I. Establishment and sod tensile strength. Agron. J. doi:10.1002/agj2.20810

Law, Q.D., J.M. Trappe, R.C. Braun, & A.J. Patton. 2021. Greenhouse gas fluxes from turfgrass systems: Species, growth rate, clipping management, and environmental effects. J. Environ Qual. doi:10.1002/jeq2.20222

Braun, R.C., D.J. Bremer, & J.A. Hoyle. 2021. Simulated traffic on turfgrasses during drought stress: II. Soil water content , soil compaction, and rooting. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. doi:10.1002/its2.62

Alderman, E.J., J.A. Hoyle, R.C. Braun, & J.A. Reeves. 2020. Winter golf cart traffic, colorants, and overseeding influence winter green cover and spring recovery of buffalograss. Crop Forage Turfgrass Manage. doi:10.1002/cft2.20077

Braun, R.C., D.J. Bremer, & J.A. Hoyle. 2020. Simulated traffic on turfgrasses during drought stress: I. Performance and recovery of turf canopies. Crop Sci. doi:10.1002/csc.20324

Patton, A.J., & R.C. Braun. 2020. Measurement of turf height and growth using a laser distance device. Crop Sci. doi:10.1002/csc2.20295

Braun, R.C., A.J. Patton, E.T. Braithwaite, & A.R. Kowalewski. 2020. Establishment of low-input turfgrass from seed using patch and repair mixtures: Mulch and starter fertilizer effects. Crop Sci. doi:10.1002/csc2.20266

Patton, A.J., R.C. Braun, G.P. Schortgen, J.A. Hoyle, & Z.J. Reicher. 2020. Irrigation following a fall proxy (ethephon) application affects spring seedhead suppression of 'Meyer' zoysiagrass. Crop Forge Turfgrass Manage. 6:e20023.

Braun, R.C., A.J. Patton, E. Watkins, P. Koch, N.P. Anderson, S.A. Bonos, & L.A. Brilman. 2020. Fine fescues: A review of the species, their improvement, production, establishment, and management. Crop Sci. 60:1142-1187.  

Braun, R.C., & D.J. Bremer. 2019. Carbon sequestration in zoysiagrass turf under different irrigation and fertilization management regimes. Agrosyst. Geosci. Environ. 2:180060.

Patton, A.J., R.C. Braun, G.P. Shortgen, D.V. Weisenberger, B.E. Branham, B. Sharp, M.D. Sousek, R.E. Gaussoin, & Z.J. Reicher. 2019. Long-term efficacy of Poa annua control strategies on golf course putting greens. Crop Forage Turfgrass Manage. 5:180068

Braun, R.C., & D.J. Bremer. 2018. Nitrous oxide emissions in turfgrass systems: A review. Agron. J.110:1-11. 

Braun, R.C. & D.J. Bremer. 2018. Nitrous oxide emissions in turfgrass receiving different irrigation amounts and nitrogen fertilizer forms. Crop Sci. 58:1762-1775.

Complete list of publications (research, extension, teaching)