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Effect of Thatch on Residual Activity of Nonselective Herbicides Used in Turfgrass Renovation 1
Author(s) -
Hurto K. A.,
Turgeon A. J.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1979.00021962007100010016x
Subject(s) - lolium perenne , paraquat , agronomy , glyphosate , perennial plant , poa pratensis , loam , chemistry , soil water , poaceae , biology , ecology , biochemistry
Paraquat (1,1′‐dimethyl4,4′‐bipyridinium ion) and glyphosate (N‐[phosphonomethyl]glycine) are used for controlling existing vegetation in turfgrass renovation programs. While these nonselective herbicides are rapidly inactivated in many soils, the effect of a thatch layer at the soil surface on the residual activity of these herbicides has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of thatch on the residual activity of paraquat and glyphosate as it affects the establishment of perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.) from seed. Paraquat and glyphosate were applied to Kentucky bluegrass ( Poa pratensis L.) turf growing on an Aquic Arquidoll (Flanagan silt loam) at thatchy and thatchfree sites. Establishment of perennial ryegrass on paraquat‐treated thatchy sites was inhibited due to herbicide residues in the thatch. Modification of the thatch by soil incorporation following core cultivation, or removal of the thatch layer by vertical mowing, significantly improved the percent cover of ryegrass on these sites. Glyphosate showed no adverse affects on perennial ryegrass development. Placement of clipping debris containing paraquat residues onto the soil surface inhibited emergence of perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass in greenhouse studies. Adsorption of paraquat by thatch was rapid, but the tenacity with which it was adsorbed appears to differ from soil as evidenced by field and laboratory studies.