Effect of fertility ratios on growth and turf quality of perennial ryegrass(Lolium prenneL.) in winter

Abstract

Abstract Perennial ryegrass (Lolium prenne L.) has been introduced to Japan as a cool season turfgrass. In spite of relatively mild winter in most parts of the country, it still goes to winter dormancy. A well‐balanced fertility ratio and rate may prevent such dormancy without causing winter injury. Therefore, this experiment was designed to find a balanced rate and ratio among nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P) fertilizers in order to prevent winter dormancy and promote growth during the winter in Japan. Yorktown 2 perennial ryegrass was used in this experiment. Nitrogen and K application rates were 50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, and 650 kg K/ha; whereas P rates were 50, 150, and 250 kg P/ha. These rates were applied in 30 different ratios. Growth, color, and density of the turf were estimated and used as the parameters for finding a suitable rate and ratio for these three major nutrients. Color, density, and growth were increased as the rate of N fertilizer increased, but there was no visual ...