Irrigation Frequency and Nitrogen Rates for Tall Fescue Growth

Abstract

Tall fescue is commonly well-adapted for low maintain area because of its wear resistance, deep root system, and drought tolerances. Deep and infrequent irrigation refers to applying large amounts of irrigation, 1.3 to 2.5 cm or more, in a single irrigation event. Light and frequent irrigation is commonly used with small amounts of water, 0.3 to 0.6 cm, every day or every other day. N use for turfgrass management is often unnoticed for water management. The objective of this field study was to evaluate the effects of irrigation frequency and N rates for tall fescue growth. The three irrigation treatments were no irrigation (precipitation only), 0.5 cm applied every other day, and 1.8 cm applied once a week at one irrigation event. The nitrogen (N) treatments were the low, medium, and high N rate treatments. The low, medium, and high N treatments were applied over 2, 4, and 6 applications, respectively. If high main maintenance of tall fescue is not important and water source is limited, irrigation is not necessary and, the 9.8 g N m-2 yr-1 of two applications can be recommended for tall fescue under the weather condition of the study.