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Foliar Application of N and Fe to Kentucky Bluegrass 1
Author(s) -
Yust A. K.,
Wehner D. J.,
Fermanian T. W.
Publication year - 1984
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/agronj1984.00021962007600060017x
Subject(s) - poa pratensis , loam , lawn , agronomy , weed , mathematics , environmental science , botany , biology , soil water , poaceae , soil science
The goal of the professional lawn care industry is to provide the homeowner with a dark green weed‐free lawn. Members of this industry are interested in techniques to enhance the color of a turfgrass stand in lieu of excessive N fertilization. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the use of foliar applications of Fe alone or in combination with N on the color response of Kentucky bluegrass ( Poa pratensis L.). Iron sulfate or an iron chelate was applied at the rate of 1.1, 2.2, or 4.5 kg Fe ha −1 in combination with either 0, 25, or 49 kg N ha −1 to a mixed ‘Columbia’/‘Touchdown’ Kentucky bluegrass turf growing on a Catlin silt loam (flne‐silty, mixed, mesie Typic Argiudoll). Color ratings and clipping weights were determined on a weekly basis until treatment effects were no longer significant. In a separate experiment, both sources of Fe were applied at rates of 1.1 to 72.4 kg Fe ha −1 to Kentucky bluegrass to evaluate phytotoxicity. The color enhancement due to Fe applications without N lasted from several weeks to several months depending on the weather following application. Use of Fe during cool wet periods enhanced turf color for only 2 to 3 weeks and therefore, was considered of limited value. Iron applications during cool dry periods enhanced turf color for several months. The treatment of 2.2 kg ha −1 of Fe from iron chelate was judged to be the most effective Fe treatment because the color enhancement was usually equal to that provided by a 4.5 kg rate of either source but it did not result in any discoloration as was found with the 4.5 kg rate. Combining Fe with the 25 kg ha −1 rate of N resulted in color enhancement equal to that caused by applying 49 kg ha −1 of N alone. The results of the study indicate that combining Fe with N can result in acceptable turfgrass color with lower rates of N. No permanent damage was caused to turfs receiving Fe at rates up to 72.2 kg ha −1 although foliar phytotoxicity was observed.