Growth of Turfgrasses under Different Levels of Shading

Abstract

Turfgrass is grown under a wide range of environmental conditions, especially light conditions. In residential and commercial applications, selecting the appropriate turfgrass depends, in part, upon its performance under differing light conditions. This study was conducted to determine the growth habits of four turfgrasses under different shade treatments. `Common Bermuda', `Tif dwarf Bermuda', `Seashore Paspalum', and `Z-3' were grown outdoors in pots. `Z-3' is an attractive new variety of turfgrass for residential lawns. Benches were covered with shade cloth to provide different shade conditions (0%, 30%, and 50% shading). Clippings were taken every 2 weeks and dried to determine growth. Turfgrass growth under the three shade treatments were significantly different. In the 0% and 30% shade treatments, `Common Bermuda' and `Seashore Paspalum' had similar growth with their dry weights being greater than that of `Tif dwarf Bermuda' and `Z-3'. Under 50% shade, `Seashore Paspalum' grew significantly greater than the other turfgrasses. `Common Bermuda' grew significantly less under 50% shade than under 0% and 30% shade. `Common Bermuda' does well on golf courses because of its fast growth and attractiveness. With its vigorous growth and shade tolerance, `Seashore Paspalum' can be used for residential lawns. `Z-3' turfgrass, a relatively new variety for residential lawns, shows slow growth but is desirable because of its tolerance to different shade conditions.