An Efficient Method for Measuring Sod Reserves for Greenhouse and Field Studies

Nonstructural carbohydrates and other reserves in roots, rhizomes, stolons, crowns, or stubble determine regrowth by grass sod after defoliation. Traditionally, these reserves have been estimated by collecting and growing 15‐cm sod plugs with optimum water and temperature in a darkroom and measuring etiolated mass per unit area. An improved sampling tool and mini‐darkrooms made by taping an inverted no. 10 (15‐cm diam.) can over a similar can containing sod plug at or near field capacity are described. A slight depression in the top of the can allows for air exchange but minimizes water loss. Dry matter reserves of 1.18 g for ‘Coastal’, 2.26 g for ‘Titian 78’, and 3.62 g for ‘Tifton 44’ bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], were measured with approximately one‐fourth less time needed to harvest, water, and retape the covers than for traditional methods.