Bermudagrass Turf Response to Mowing Practices and Fertilizer1

Abstract

AbstractThe overall quality of ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass [Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt‐Davies × Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] turf is often determined by the type of mower and fertilizer, and whether clippings are removed or returned. The purpose of this field research study was to determine bermudagrass turf response to N at 100 to 300 kg ha−1 and to K at 50 to 300 kg ha−1 as related to mowing treatments. Treatments were arranged in a split block with subunits in strips. The primary strips were mowing treatments, and subunit strips were fertilizer treatments. The soil type was a Cecil sandy loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Hapludult). A rotary mulching mower maintained the highest quality of bermudagrass, and flail mowing the lowest turf quality throughout the 3‐yr study. Turf quality was not consistent each year. Quality was higher when grass clippings were returned than when removed. In most instances, bermudagrass did not respond to N at rates above 200 kg ha−1. Turf quality and shoot density were as good when K was applied at 50 kg ha−1 as at higher rates. Neither fertilizer treatments nor returning grass clippings influenced thatch accumulation. However, turf cut with a rotary mulching mower had a greater thatch accumulation than did turf cut with a flail mower. Dollar spot (Moellerodiscus spp. and Lanzia spp.) disease occurred more frequently at the lowest N treatment.