Influence of Three Nitrogen Fertilization Schedules on Bermudagrass and Seashore Paspalum: II. Carbohydrates and Crude Protein in Stolons

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn the transition zone, a primary concern in managing warm‐season turfgrasses is turf survival under low temperatures. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of three N fertilization schedules on stolon carbohydrates and crude protein (CP) reserves of four bermudagrasses [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] and a seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.). A field trial was performed at the agricultural experimental farm of Padova University (northeastern Italy). Bermudagrass cultivars Princess‐77, Riviera, SWI 1014, and Yukon and seashore paspalum ‘Sea Spray’ were compared under three N fertilization schedules: (i) 6.7 g N m–2 on 15 May, 15 June, and 15 August, (ii) 5 g N m–2 on 15 May, 15 June, 15 August, and 15 October, and (iii) 4 g N m–2 on 15 May, 15 June, 15 August, 15 September, and 15 October. Turf samples measuring 20 by 20 by 4 (depth) cm were collected monthly from September to April 2009 to 2010 and 2010 to 2011. The stolons were separated from the remainder of the samples and starch, water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and CP were determined on a dry matter basis. The bermudagrass cultivar Riviera was characterized by high stolon density and showed highest carbohydrates (starch and WSC) content along with Yukon. Late‐season applications of N had limited influence on carbohydrates content but increased the concentrations of CP from November through April.