Growth performance evaluation of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers. x Cynodon transvaalensis) under different nitrogen application methods and sprigging intensities

Abstract

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers, commonly called Bermuda grass is one among the most commonly used warm season grasses which can withstand drought stress and produce quality turf. Establishing high quality turf is a key management concern. The selection of suitable method of its establishment and precise nutrient management are the first and most important factors for a well-established lawn. N has the greatest impact on grass growth of all the nutrients, and an appropriate N fertiliser can quicken up the development of high-quality mats. Hence a field trial was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study the growth response of Bermuda grass to 4 different sprigging intensities: S1- 10×10 cm, S2- 15×15 cm, S3- 20×20 cm, S4- 25×25 cm and 3 different methods of N application at fortnight intervals: N1- Granular application at 4g/m2, N2- 2% Foliar spray and N3- IFFCO Nano Urea at 5ml/l of water. Morphological parameters including leaf length, internodal length, shoot length, root length, percent cover and physiological parameters including total chlorophyll content, relative greenness and proline content for drought estimation have been evaluated at 90 days after planting. Plots treated with nano urea showed improved growth response rather plots treated with granular urea. Closer and medium spacing showed quick grass spread compared to wider spacing. Among 12 treatments, Treatment S1N3 (10 X 10 cm spacing with 5 ml/ l of water Nano Urea Foliar Spray) recorded the highest values for almost all the morphological (Leaf length 3.43 cm, Internodal length 3.63 cm, Shoot length 52.46 cm, Root length 11.51 cm and Percent cover 101.25%) and physiological parameters (TCC 3.42 mg/ g fresh wt., Relative greenness 13.86 and Proline content 2.52 mg/ g of fresh wt.). Future thrust can be relied on such encapsulated slow-release N fertilizer to ease out nitrogen loss concern and improved turf quality.