Kelly Kopp

Plants, Soils & Climate (PSC) | Extension

Professor, Extension Water Conservation and Turfgrass Specialist


Kelly Kopp

Contact Information

Office Location: AGRS 334
Phone: 435-757-6650
Email: kelly.kopp@usu.edu
Additional Information:

Educational Background

PhD, Agronomy: Turfgrass Science, (Turfgrass Science), University of Connecticut, 2000
Nitrogen Dynamics in Turfgrass Systems
MS, Natural Resources Management and Engineering: Hydrology, (Hydrology), University of Connecticut, 1996
Hydraulic Head Effects on Solute Transport through Large Intact and Packed Soil Columns
BS, Natural Resource Conservation: Soil Science, (Soil Science), Texas A&M University, 1991

Biography

Kelly Kopp is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Plants, Soils & Climate department at Utah State University, where her research efforts are focused on landscape water conservation and sustainable turfgrass management. She serves on the Board of Directors of USU's Center for Water Efficient Landscaping and is board member and past president of the Utah Water Conservation Forum. She works directly with many of the federal, state, and municipal agencies that are working toward achieving water use efficiency in the state of Utah, the Intermountain West, and beyond.

Teaching Interests

landscape irrigation design

Research Interests

landscape irrigation efficiency, turfgrass water and nutrient dynamics, smart irrigation technologies, water efficiency programming

Awards

Crop Science Society of America Extension Education Award, 2022

Crop Science Society of America

USU College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences Faculty University Service Award, 2023

USU College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Career Specialist Award, 2021

USU Extension Specialists Association

Editor's Citation for Excellence (Reviewer), 2020

American Society of Agronomy

Best Fact Sheet Award, 2018

Utah Association of County Agricultural Agents

Best Publication Award, 2018

Utah Association of County Agricultural Agents

USU Extension Innovator Award, 2015

USU Cooperative Extension

Western Extension Directors Association Award of Excellence, 2014

Western Extension Directors Association

Innovative Program Award, 2014

USU Extension Specialist's Association

Nation's Top Trendsetter Award, 2007

Public Works Magazine

Cooperative Conservation Award, 2006

United States Department of the Interior

Outstanding New Extension Specialist Award, 2003

USU Cooperative Extension

Vice President's Award for Excellence - Water Issues, 2003

USU Cooperative Extension


Publications | Abstracts

  • Meza-Capcha, K., Torres-Rua, A., Gao, R., Hargreaves, O., Osorio, K., Hipps, L.E, Kopp, K., Christiansen, L., Gowing, I., Coopmans, C., (2022). Estimation of leaf area index in urban turfgrass using high resolution multispectral imagery for the two-source energy balance model. American Geophysical Union
  • Chen, J., Sun, Y., Kopp, K., (2022). Detecting drought stress of penstemons using infrared thermal imaging. HortScience 57(9): S58. (Abstr.)
  • Mathews, J., Sun, Y., Harris, P., Kopp, K., McAvoy, D., Price, S., St. Hilaire, R., (2022). Determining sap yield, sugar contents, and mineral composition of boxelder and Norway maples. HortScience 57(9): S4 (Abstr.)
  • Kopp, K., Lander, P., Mayer, P., Getting Smart About the Colorado River Basin: Research Trends.
  • Sun, H., Kopp, K., Jones, S.B, (2010). Simulation of Water and Nutrient Transport in Three Turf Species. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA
  • Sun, H., Kopp, K., Dietz, M.E, Jones, S.B, Fan, J., (2010). A Comprehensive Research Method to Investigate the Environmental Issues of Urban Landscapes: Water Use and Nitrogen Leaching of Urban Landscapes on Community Water Quantity and Quality. American Society for Horticultural Science

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Books

      Publications | Book Chapters

    • Kopp, K., (2016). Saving Water by Being Smart: Agronomy: Grow with it!. American Society of Agronomy
    • Kopp, K., Jiang, Y., (2013). Turfgrass water use and physiology: Turfgrass: Biology, use, and management. American Society of Agronomy
    • spranger, a.m, Cardon, G., Patterson, R., Heflebower, R.F, Croft, A., Kratsch, H., Kopp, K., Gunnell, J., Shao, M., G., Rupp, L.A, (2011). Water-Efficient Landscaping in the Intermountain West: A Professional Do-It-Yourself Guide: Water-Efficient Landscaping in the Intermountain West: A Professional Do-It-Yourself Guide. CHAPTER ONE: PLANNING AND DESIGN. USU Press
    • Kopp, K., Gunnell, J., (2011). Principle 4: Practical Turfgrass Areas: Water-Efficient Landscaping in the Intermountain West: A Professional and Do-it-Yourself Guide. USU Academic Press
    • Kopp, K., Y.J, Turfgrass Water Use: Turfgrass Monograph (Crop Science Society of America). Crop Science Society of America

    An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

    Publications | Fact Sheets

    An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

    Publications | Curriculum

    An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

    Publications | Journal Articles

    Academic Journal

    • Meza, K., Torres-Rua, A., Hipps, L.E, Kustas, W.P, Gao, R., Christiansen, L., Kopp, K., Nieto, H., Burchard-Levine, V., Martin, M.P, Coopmans, C., Gowing, I., (2023). Spatial estimation of actual evapotranspiration over irrigated turfgrass using sUAS thermal and multispectral imagery and TSEB model. Irrigation Science, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-023-00899-y
    • Chen, J., Sun, Y., Kopp, K., Oki, L., Jones, S.B, Hipps, L.E, (2023). Physiological and canopy temperature responses to drought of four Penstemon species. HortScience, 58:5, 539-549. doi: 10.21273/HORTSCI16996-22
    • Sun, H., Kopp, K., Jones, S.B, (2022). Numerical Simulation of Water and Nitrogen Transport in Three Turf Species. Journal of Environmental Quality
    • Pratt, T., Allen, L., Rosenberg, D.E, Keller, A., Kopp, K., (2018). Urban Agriculture and Small Farm Irrigation Efficiency: Case Studies and Trends from Cache Valley, Utah. Agricultural Water Management, 213, 24-35.
    • Kopp, K., Kjelgren, R.K, Urzagaste, P., Dai, X., (2017). Physiological and quality responses of turfgrass and ornamental plants to weather-based irrigation control. International Turfgrass Research Journal, 13, 1-10.
    • Sun, H., Kopp, K., (2013). Identifying high-risk areas of N leaching in the Salt Lake Valley. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal, 12, 39-46.
    • Johnson, P.G, Van Dyke, A., Hodgson, E., Murray, M., Kopp, K., (2012). Interest, Incentives, and Education Towards Organic Golf Course Management: A Study of Utah Golf Course Superintendents.. Applied Turfgrass Science, doi: 10.1094/ATS-2012-0320-01-TT
    • Sun, H., Kopp, K., Kjelgren, R.K, (2012). Water efficient urban landscapes-Integrating different water use categorizations and plant types. HortScience, 47, 254-263.
    • Rosenberg, D.E, Kopp, K., Kratsch, H., Rupp, L.A, Johnson, P.G, Kjelgren, R.K, (2011). Value Landscape Engineering: Identifying Costs, Water Use, Labor, and Impacts to Support Landscape Choice. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 47:3, 635–649. doi: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2011.00530.x
    • McCammon, T., Marquardt-Pyatt, S., Kopp, K., (2009). Water-conserving landscapes: an evaluation of homeowner preference. Journal of Extension, 47:2
    • Kopp, K., Guillard, K., (2009). Quantifying turfgrass-available N from returned clippings using anion exchange membranes. International Turfgrass Research Journal, 11, 41-54.
    • Bunderson, L.D, Johnson, P.G, Kopp, K., Van Dyke, A., (2009). Tools for evaluating native grasses as low maintenance turf. HortTechnology, 19, 626-632.
    • Kopp, K., Cerny-Koenig, T., Lopez, R., (2007). Educating large landscape water users. Journal of Extension, 45:1
    • Zollinger, N., Kjelgren, R., Cerny-Koenig, T., Kopp, K., Koenig, R., (2006). Drought responses of six ornamental herbaceous perennials. Scientia Horticulturae, 109, 267-274.
    • Kopp, K., Guillard, K., (2005). Clipping contributions to nitrate leaching from creeping bentgrass under varying irrigation and N rates. International Turfgrass Research Journal
    • Koenig, R., Cerny, T., Heflebower, R.F, Mesner, N., Kopp, K., Hill, R.W, (2004). A team approach enhances statewide water issues programming. Journal of Extension, 42:3
    • Guillard, K., Kopp, K., (2004). Nitrogen fertilizer form and associated nitrate leaching from cool-season lawn turf. Journal of Environmental Quality, 33, 1822-1827.
    • Ebdon, J.S, Kopp, K., (2004). Relationships between water use efficiency, carbon isotope discrimination, and turf performance in genotypes of Kentucky bluegrass during drought. Crop Science, 44, 1754-1762.
    • Johnson, P.G, Koenig, R.T, Kopp, K., (2003). Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium responses and requirements in calcareous sand greens. Agronomy Journal, 95, 697-702.
    • Kopp, K., Guillard, K., (2002). Clipping management and nitrogen fertilization of turfgrass: growth, nitrogen utilization, and quality. Crop Science, 42, 1225-1231.
    • Kopp, K., Guillard, K., (2002). Relationship of turfgrass growth and quality to soil nitrate desorbed from anion exchange membranes. Crop Science, 42, 1232-1240.
    • Guillard, K., Warner, G.S, Kopp, K., Stake, J.D, (1999). Leaching of broadcast and banded Atrazine from maize plots. Journal of Environmental Quality, 28, 130-137.
    • Guillard, K., Morris, T.F, Kopp, K., (1999). The pre-sidedress soil nitrogen test and nitrate leaching from corn. Journal of Environmental Quality, 28, 1845-1852.

    Professional Journal

      Public or Trade Journal

      • Kopp, K., Johnson, P.G, Klotz, E., Miller, C., (2015). Water Use Efficiency on Golf Courses in Utah. Golf Course Management, 83, 114-117. *
      • Kopp, K., (2006). Water conservation programs and the turfgrass industry. Turf News, 30, 34-38. *
      • Kopp, K., Guillard, K., (2002). Adjusting N rates when clippings are returned. Golf Course Management, 70, 60-64. *
      • Johnson, P.G, Koenig, R., Kopp, K., (2002). Fertilizing calcareous sand greens. Golf Course Management, 70, 81-84. *

      An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

      Publications | Technical Reports

      Research Reports

      • Rupp, L.A, Kopp, K., Endter-Wada, J.L, Sun, Y., Johnson, P.G, Schaible, C., (2019). Annual Report of the Center for Water Efficient Landscaping (2019). *
      • Rupp, L.A, Endter-Wada, J.L, Johnson, P.G, Kopp, K., Sun, Y., Wheaton, A., (2018). Annual Report of the Center for Water Efficient Landscaping (2018). *
      • Rupp, L.A, Kopp, K., Kjelgren, R.K, Johnson, P.G, Extension Water Initiative Interim Report - Center for Water Efficient Landscaping. *
      • Rosenberg, D.E, Kopp, K., Kratsch, H., Rupp, , Johnson, , Kjelgren, R.K, (2010). Value Landscape Engineering Lifecycle Analysis Final Report & User's Guide to the Spreadsheet Program. Central Utah Water Conservancy District *

      An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

      Publications | Other

      Bulletins

      • Cerny, T., Kuhns, M.R, Kopp, K., Johnson, P.G, (2002). Efficient irrigation of woody landscape plants. Utah State Univ. Extension Fact Sheet

      Magazine/Trade Publications

      • Evans, S.R, Kopp, K., Johnson, P.G, Hansen, N.C, Hopkins, B.G, (2020). More "Pop" per Drop: Smart Irrigation. SportsField Management *
      • Kopp, K., (2012). Plant scientist seeks understanding landscape architect for meaningful soil-plant-water relationship. American Society of Landscape Architecture *
      • Johnson, P.G, Kopp, K., (2004). Maximum length of summer dormancy in Kentucky bluegrass without or with minimal irrigation. TurfNews [TPI] *

      Newsletter

      An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

      Teaching

      PSC 6240 - Water Efficient Landscaping Seminar, Spring 2021
      PSC 6220 - Professional Experience in Water Efficient Landscaping, Summer 2020
      PSC 6890 - Plants, Soils & Climate Graduate Seminar, Spring 2020
      PSC 7890 - Plants, Soils & Climate Graduate Seminar, Spring 2020
      PSC 6230 - Readings in Landscape Water Conservation, Fall 2019
      PSC 6250 - Water Efficient Landscaping Summer Immersion for MPSH Program, Summer 2017
      PSC 4420, 6420 - Landscape Irrigation Design, Spring 2017
      PSC 4420, 6420 - Landscape Irrigation Design, Spring 2016
      PSC 3420 - Landscape Irrigation Design, Spring 2015
      PSC 3420 - Landscape Irrigation Design, Spring 2015
      PSC 3420 - Landscape Irrigation Design, Spring 2014
      PSC 3420 - Landscape Irrigation Design, Spring 2014
      PSC 3420 - Landscape Irrigation Design, Spring 2013
      PSC 3420 - Landscape Irrigation Design, Spring 2013
      PSC 3420 - Landscape Irrigation Design, Spring 2012
      PSC 3420 - Landscape Irrigation Design, Spring 2012
      PSC 3420 - LABORATORY, Spring 2011
      PSC 3420 - LABORATORY, Spring 2011
      PSC 3420 - LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION DESIG(QI), Spring 2011
      PSC 3420 - LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION DESIG(QI), Spring 2011
      PSC 3420 - LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION DESIG(QI), Spring 2011
      PSC 3420 - LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION DESIG(QI), Spring 2011
      PSC 3420 - LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION DESIG(QI), Spring 2011
      PSC 3420 - LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION DESIG(QI), Spring 2011
      PSC 3420 - LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION DESIG(QI), Spring 2011
      PSC 3420 - Landscape Irrigation Design, Spring 2011
      PSC 6970 - RESEARCH & THESIS, Spring 2011
      PSC 7970 - RESEARCH & THESIS, Spring 2011
      PSC 6990 - Continuing Graduate Advisement, Fall 2010
      PSC 6970 - Research and Thesis, Fall 2010
      PSC 7970 - Research and Thesis, Fall 2010
      PSC 3420 - Landscape Irrigation Design, Spring 2010
      PSC 3420 - Landscape Irrigation Design, Spring 2010
      PSC 3420 - Landscape Irrigation Design, Spring 2009

      Extension

      Workshop and training for Qualified water efficient landscaper (QWEL) program, 2023 - Ongoing
      Education on waterwise landscape design and efficient irrigation, 2022 - Ongoing
      Applied Water Conservation and Turfgrass Research, 2001 - 2035
      Extension Turfgrass Education, 2001 - 2035
      Extension Water Conservation Education, 2001 - 2035
      Educating and training nursery industry to recycling irrigation return flow, 2022 - 2024
      Propagation of Native Plants for Landscape Use, 2007 - 2019
      Civil Rights-General Plan, 2007 - 2013

      Graduate Students Mentored

      Alexis Koelling, Plants, Soils, and Climate, October 2022
      Abby Lamborn, Plants, Soils, and Climate, March 2022
      Jenny Koller, Plants, Soils, and Climate, September 2021
      Ji-Jhong Chen, Plants, Soils, and Climate, September 2020
      Moriah Jackson, Plants, Soils, and Climate, January 2020
      Paige Boyle, Plants, Soils, and Climate, January 2018 - December 2023
      Nysse Wilson, Plants, Soils, and Climate, January 2020 - December 2021
      Shane Evans, Plants, Soils, and Climate, August 2017 - December 2019
      Paul Urzagaste, Plants, Soils, and Climate 2018
      Hongyan Sun, Plants, Soils, and Climate 2011
      Christopher Hendrickson, Plants, Soils, and Climate 2008
      Landon Bunderson, Plants, Soils, and Climate 2007
      Tony McCammon, Plants, Soils, and Climate 2006