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Optimal Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization Rates for Establishment of Warm‐Season Putting Greens
Author(s) -
Rowland J. H.,
Cisar J. L.,
Snyder G. H.,
Sartain J. B.,
Wright A. L.,
Erickson J. E.
Publication year - 2010
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/agronj2010.0184
Subject(s) - zoysia japonica , cynodon dactylon , human fertilization , paspalum , cultivar , potash , fertilizer , nutrient , biology , agronomy , nitrogen , nitrogen fertilizer , cynodon , horticulture , zoology , chemistry , ecology , organic chemistry
Proper fertilization of golf course putting greens during grow‐in provides rapid turfgrass cover, high quality putting surfaces, and limits environmental impacts. Different levels of N and K were applied to ‘TifDwarf’ and ‘TifEagle’ bermudagrasses [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burt Davy], ‘SeaDwarf’ seashore paspalum ( Paspalum vaginatum Swartz), and ‘PristineFlora’ zoysiagrass [ Zoysia japonica Stued. by Zoysia tenuifolia (L.) Merr.], sprigged at a rate of 36.6 m 3 ha −1 on a USGA‐specified green, to compare grow‐in rate and qualitative turfgrass characteristics. Fertilizer treatments included 1.2, 2.4, 3.7, or 4.9 g N m −2 wk −1 , and a one‐time application of polymer‐coated urea (PCU) at 39.1 g N m −2 , with each N rate coinciding with four N/K fertilization ratios: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, or 1:4. Visual measurements of grow‐in rate were generally similar within cultivars with 2.4, 3.7, or 4.9 g N m −2 wk −1 There were no significant effects for turfgrass growth or quality among N/K treatments. The 2.4 g N m −2 wk −1 rate was considered best for rapid establishment of all cultivars. Although 1.2 g N m −2 wk −1 amended turfgrass was slower to establish, this rate provided a more desirable putting surface and further decreased the potential for nutrient leaching.