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Renovation Effects on Bahiagrass Productivity
Author(s) -
Williams M. J.,
Kalmbacher R. S.
Publication year - 1996
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/agronj1996.00021962008800020012x
Subject(s) - seedbed , paspalum notatum , penetrometer , tiller (botany) , agronomy , dry matter , perennial plant , zoology , biology , environmental science , soil water , sowing , ecology
Production declines in perennial grass swards have been attributed to soil compaction and a phenomenon referred to as root‐bound sod. The effect of renovation equipment on the productivity of bahiagrass ( Paspalum notatum Flügge ) was evaluated for 2 yr (1991–1993) at the USDA‐ARS Subtropical Agricultural Research Station (STARS) and the University of Florida Agricultural Research and Education Center at Ona. Water infiltration and penetrometer resistance were determined in mid‐April, immediately pre and post treatment, with either of two styles of bladed (chopper or bladed) or a spiked piece of equipment and at 12, 26, and 52 wk post treatment. Forage dry matter (DM) production and tiller density were determined every 4 wk. Penetrometer resistance was reduced in the upper 15 to 20 cm of the soil immediately post treatment (average of 3.2 and 8.0 kg cm 2 at the 10‐cm depth at Ona and STARS, respectively, in 1991), but remained detectable at subsequent post‐treatment times only at STARS. Water infiltration was enhanced only once during the 2 yr (approximately 60 mm h −1 increase). Tiller density was not affected by renovation at Ona (750 tillers m −2 average), but at STARS it declined an average of 20% for bladed or chopper‐treated plots in 1991–1992, due to death of uprooted tillers (1320 tillers m −2 untreated vs. 1065 tillers m −2 average bladed‐type equipment). Forage DM production of renovated plots was less than or equal to that of the untreated plot at each sample date at both sites both years. Based on this study, use of these types of renovation equipment in April on bahiagrass swards in Florida cannot he recommended.