Autonomous Compared with Conventional Mower Use on St. Augustinegrass Lawn Quality

Autonomous (i.e., robotic) mowers have recently garnered interest with the public and within turfgrass industry. However, limited research has been conducted on their use for mowing warm-season turfgrasses. An experiment was at University of Florida’s West Florida Research Education Center (Jay, FL, USA) to investigate performance an autonomous mower using a lower than recommended height-of-cut St. Augustinegrass ( Stenotaphrum secundatum ). Treatments included 2.5 inches set mow daily conventional mulching weekly 3.5 inches. Data collection digital images that were subjected image analysis determine overall quality, percent green cover, uniformity. The resulted in greater quality from January March November, cover November April compared mowing. Additionally, produced uniformity Results indicate can be successfully used maintain height-of-cut.