Growth Response of Merion Kentucky Bluegrass to Fertilizer and Lime Treatments1

Abstract

AbstractThe performance of ‘Merion’ Kentucky bluegrass to 10 fertilizers, applied at three rates, at two pH levels, is herewith reported. Carriers incorporated with fertilizers had little or no effect on grass growth; however, the carrier used in one fertilizer (24‐4‐6) with 23.19% watersoluble nitrogen mixed with reed sedge peat may have absorbed soluble nitrogen to cause slower nitrogen release. Highest total grass yield was obtained from ammonium nitrate and lowest from urea‐form. The lower yields were obtained from less soluble sources of nitrogen while the soluble urea source (45‐0‐0) was intermediate. Loss of nitrogen in the form of ammonia may have accounted for the relatively low yield from this soluble nitrogen source. All fertilizers significantly increased yield of Merion Kentucky bluegrass at pH 4.8 and pH 7.0, but the interaction between fertilizers and pH levels was not significant. There was a highly significant difference in yield among fertilizer sources. Selection of a fertilizer source or form of nitrogen fertilizer should be based on the relative importance of convenience, safety, cost, and response of grass growth.